Cowl Color? Black or body color

[chaps70rt]

Just wondering what you all think about the color around the cowl where the black plastic grills are.  Between the stainless lower trim on the windshield and the rubber hood gasket that runs around the grills.   Should this area be painted black on an Challenger R/T or body color??   I am painting my car white, but thinking that this area should be satin black.   Feedback appreciated.

Cheers ..... CHAPS70RT
 
 

[ksierens]

Yes, I agree it should be black.  I don't have them here, but I am pretty sure that the engineering drawings had a reference to it in the "black out" section.

[72hemi]

I'm pretty sure that both were correct. My 70 barracuda had evidence of the black paint, but some of my other e bodies did not.

[Topcat]

It depended on the color I'm pretty sure.  Lighter colors had it. Dark colors didn't. The reason is sunlight would reflect up onto the windshield causing glare. My car was originally tawny gold but didn't have it.  Barry has the breakdown.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree it was done by the factory but only with certain colors

[chaps70rt]

Thanks guys ..... I was also under the impression that it might be color dependent.   For one reason or another the black grills just don't look right on the white paint.   I am presuming that the type of paint might be the usual "organisol" or equivalent in the satin finish.    If anyone has a suggestion, I would really appreciate it.

Many thanks from snowy Canada.   Ugh ....   

P.S.   Good thing the garage is heated so I can work on the Challenger!!

Cheers ....     CHAPS70RT

[Alaskan_TA]

It is hit & miss other than the T/As & AARs. For a restoration, if you found black paint there, put it back that way.

For a non-restoration, do as you like.

[PlumCrazyRTSE]

It is hit & miss other than the T/As & AARs. For a restoration, if you found black paint there, put it back that way.

For a non-restoration, do as you like.

Hey Barry, I thought I remembered reading somewhere that it depended on the production date of the car and that the earlier cars had it painted black.  Any chance that had something to do with it?

[Alaskan_TA]

The dates do not matter at all if you keep this in mind;

"For a restoration, if you found black paint there, put it back that way."

You either find it or you don't. 

[PlumCrazyRTSE]

I found where I read it, it's in the figure description on page 43 of the book "Original Challenger and Barracuda 1970-1974, The Restorer's Guide" by Jim Schild.  However, I would tend to believe you over this book because I know you have a very extensive knowledge of these cars. 

[PlumCrazyRTSE]

I also see now that the car in the picture is a T/A.

[Alaskan_TA]

Jim's book is full of errors.

It has some nice photos, but his research sucked.

[PlumCrazyRTSE]

Jim's book is full of errors.

I've heard that before.

It's a shame when someone puts inaccurate info like that into print because it really clouds the truth and just makes the research that much harder.   

[chaps70rt]

Well guys, to tell you the truth ....  the car is not an original restoration, but a clone conversion.   It was originally olive green (or whatever they call that color) and had a 318 auto.   Now, a white car with a 440 4-speed and shaker. 

I have tried using the same restoration book as an accurate reference, but have been more inclined to stick with the responses on this website.   So, in summary .... I will be going with the black-out and going with my instincts plus the attached feedback.   I am trying to keep my resto true to Mother Mopar specs with only a few bolt on changes.

Thanks again .... CHAPS70RT
 

[CudaEd]

Most (i repeat, most) RT's, T/A's, 'Cudas and AAR's I've seen have the cowl painted satin black. On the other hand, most base challengers and barracudas I've seen have it painted body color. Your best bet (and look): Black