Hood Latch

[VTMopar]

I see a lot of photos of hood latch mechanisms that are painted (1) black; (2) engine bay color and/or (3) metal finish of some sort (generally aluminum/grey).    Mine is "grimey natural" in its present state -- I'm restoring it so can anyone tell me what is correct for a '74 challenger?   

thanks
Vermont MOPAR

[Challenger6pak]

I believe they were originally coated in cosmoline.  I have found a spray that looks like cosmoline.  The finish of the part would be natural bare metal.  The cosmoline is a clear oil like coating that is put on parts to keep them from corrosion.  Cosmoline was used on numerous parts on the car.  I can post a pic of the stuff I found that resembles cosmoline tomorrow.

[VTMopar]

challenger6pak:  Yeah -- I've seen a couple of photos around where it appears that stuff is being used.   
A google search indicates that it is used also for gun storage and is available.   Thanks for the info!

It is interesting how many photos of restorations where folks are painting them, however.    Anyone else out there have any thoughts?

Thanks
Vermont MOPAR