Topic: Correct Finish Under Ride Traction Bar Mounting Hardware

[3.25posi]

I'm looking for a little help to determine what the correct finish should be on these parts. How's they come from S.A. My originals in one photo before media blasting, and again in the second with sort of gold finish. Thanks in advance, Denny. 

[J_Speegle]

The lower copper like color is what your looking for

[3.25posi]

Thank you Jeff!

[Bossbill]

What is the original finish called?

[J_Speegle]

What is the original finish called?

Never seen a printed description of the color/finish in anything that Traction Master published nor Shelby

[Bob Gaines]

What is the original finish called?

The copper color of  Krylon and other brands correspond to what is found on the cast iron bracket I and many others have found in 60's vintage NOS traction master kits. Degraded remnants of the copper color have been found on rusty originals but they are typically just visible enough to give a idea that it was the same color as what is found in the old kits. Traction Master did away with the cast iron brackets in 68 or 69 and replaced it with a welded steel unit.   

[3.25posi]

Please help me out again as I'm a little confused at this point. Did the mounting hardware get painted black at S.A.?  Early photos of GT-350 undercarriages are black and white, thus no help. Color photos are few and far between. I see black painted hardware and also what seems to be copper. What should I do with these?  Thanks, Denny

[Bob Gaines]

Please help me out again as I'm a little confused at this point. Did the mounting hardware get painted black at S.A.?  Early photos of GT-350 undercarriages are black and white, thus no help. Color photos are few and far between. I see black painted hardware and also what seems to be copper. What should I do with these?  Thanks, Denny

Copper color has been the conscientious of opinion among Shelby restorers for many years now. I have seen the brackets with trace copper on unrestored cars. Coincidentally the NOS traction bars that TM sold back in the 60's with the cast iron brackets came copper painted. It is reasonable to assume therefore that the copper color was the typical. I find it hard to understand why TM would sell Shelby black painted ones and go to the trouble of selling their retail customers copper painted ones. Not to say that it is beyond the realm of possibility but the copper is what I will advise until more comprehensive evidence suggests otherwise. Others such as maple hill choose black . You do what you think best however you may get push back in concours venues. The front steel brackets that were welded are copper in the kits however as a matter of procedure at Shelby once the front brackets were welded on they and surrounding welded area were given a coat of semi gloss black spray paint so that the burned off paint from welding would not flash rust.   

[3.25posi]

OK, copper color it is. Thank you very much. Denny

[K-HESS]

Here are a few pictures from an old NOS set I have on the shelf. They have some surface rust setting in, but you can make out some detail.

[3.25posi]

K-HESS, Thanks for taking the time to post the photos, I appreciate it.