by burdar » 21 Mar 2012 13:18
The factory didn't like those parts showing through the grill. They very sloppily blacked out the front of the car to hide things. Someone was standing in a pit and sprayed black paint up at the rad support. The paint would have faded out as you got closer to the top. So, the very top of that plate should be body color. Underneith should be black that fades out to body color as you get to the top. Only black and dark blue cars didn't get the blackout...even then, some black and blue cars have been seen that DID get it.
You're doing a good job. I'd focus on getting the car on the road. After that is accomplished, I'd go back and do some detail work. You can mark the location of the hood latch, then remove it for refinishing. Same goes for the popup spring. Those were never body color from the factory. It's little details like that, that really make a nice car stand out. When I see those parts painted...along with the door strickers and door latches, it really looks like someone cut corners. Then I start wondering what other corners were cut.