1965 Chassis Finish

[Tom H.]

I'm currently restoring my 1965 Convertible and I'm puzzled by the original chassis finish.Most of the original finish is gone but what remains on protected top surfaces seems to be a tar like coating rather than paint. Any opinions?

[Joe C.]

Re: 1965 Chassis Finish

I'm currently restoring my 1965 Convertible and I'm puzzled by the original chassis finish.Most of the original finish is gone but what remains on protected top surfaces seems to be a tar like coating rather than paint. Any opinions?

Tom,

The original coating on the chassis was not paint, but rather, an "asphaltic coating". Quanta used to sell it as "Asphaltic Coating", but I don't see it there any more.
If you manage to find any, you will regret ever having used it, because it will leave your chassis a sticky nightmare scenario for anytime you crawl under your car to work on it. I know a couple people who used it, regretted it, washed it off with gasoline, and re-coated with "Chassis Black" paint.

[Mark L.]

Re: 1965 Chassis Finish

Tom,

You are fortunate, some of the original coating is still present.

It was a low cost asphalt based (diesel fuel) black tar substance that usually was washed off with rain water. It's only function was to prevent the frame and suspension components from rusting before the car was sold/delivered to the customer. It can be scrubbed off with lacquer thinner and a rag.

Except if your car has dealer applied 'undercoating'. Very common in the Northeast and North Midwest.

This is good for the frame in that it protects it but not good for the restorer who has to remove it

[Loren L.]

Re: 1965 Chassis Finish

"Chassis Black" is being replicated under license - not sure of the price or where to go, but it is "
Out there".

[Tom H.]

Re: 1965 Chassis Finish

Thanks to all