[68bird400HO]

Originally Posted by 1971WARBIRD

2 things, 1 a question and 1 a statment.
weren't the screens inside the side vents suppose to be black, or was there a change along the line?

Yes...black. Based on my observations, these screens were originally black phosphate. I believe the screening itself was plated prior to being cut for these vents. Original, untouched 70-71 TAs I have observed seem to have had these vent screens dip painted black over the black phosphate prior to being glued in as the paint looked thick a gloppy on the screens. Mine were like that as well. I actually separated the screens from my vents to paint them and where the glue took that thick paint off, it was easy to see the phosphate plating. Original 73-74 cars I have seen did not have the thick black paint, just the black phosphate. I have not seen an original 72 so I don't know when this process changed. Late 70s TAs had body colored screens. Not sure what year they started that.

FWIW, that screening is the same screening used for the formula ram air hoods. Again, I believe the screening was plated prior to being cut and bent into shape for the scoop openings. I don't think it was ever painted for this application however.