[68ragtop]

I haven't seen those service book pics in a while.

Looking even closer, did you guys notice the left front muffler clamp is the same color as the head pipes? Sure looks like its possible they were never treated with anything at all and its possibly rust. Against the floor and frame of the car they appear they could be that brownish shade and not black., very similar to the way the steering box looks against the frame on the front end picture?

Not saying thats what it is, but let yourself believe that for a moment & then look again at the pictures. Given they way these were built back then, Sure Seems very possible & more of a hassle to paint them black? The car definitely has some miles on it.

Just a thought.