[FunctionalShaker]

I can't remember: Where the deck lid and deck lid filler panel painted installed? Seems to me they were since the deck lid bolts are body color.

[165th]

Yes, deck lid bolts and filler panels screws are body color.

[FunctionalShaker]

Seems like the under back surface of the deck lid wouldn't get much paint on it because of the angle.

[Transamric]

Originally Posted by 165th

Yes, deck lid bolts and filler panels screws are body color.

X2!

[FunctionalShaker]

So, deck lid and filler on the car when painted.

[giles]

Deck lid for sure. There are plant pictures showing the deck lid on cars going through the elpo tank (primer) at Norwood. The filler panel would not have gone through the tank and as such I suspect it was painted separately. Maybe along with mirrors. I never removed the filler on my original paint car. A nicely painted tail panel on an original paint car would be the best clue. The complete body went to final assembly with filler panel painted and installed.

[Transamric]

I'm recalling that we established the rear filler panel was handled differently at Norwood than Van Nuys. Van Nuys panels were in place during all paint coats while NOR panels were painted separately. Yes/No?

[FunctionalShaker]

Pg 72 of The Fabulous Firebird book shows the cars (Norwood) going into the tank with both installed. What's odd is I don't recall seeing torsion rods or the rubber sleeve coated in the red primer.

Giles, I'm referring to the upper filler panel.

[SS-TA]

The filler panel on my 73 TA had the red oxide primer on the bottom side, indicating that it was installed when placed in the primer tank. Interestingly the Hood and fenders, which were painted unattached to the body shell, had a black primer not the red oxide primer.

[giles]

Originally Posted by SS-TA

The filler panel on my 73 TA had the red oxide primer on the bottom side, indicating that it was installed when placed in the primer tank. Interestingly the Hood and fenders, which were painted unattached to the body shell, had a black primer not the red oxide primer.

Ok I'm confused as to what you guys are calling a "filler panel". I assumed that you meant the fiberglass tail finish panel. It would not have gone through elpo, as the purpose is to electrically charge the body and plate the primer on.
The fenders, hood, and front valance would not have red primer as they did not go through the elpo process. In fact they were never in that part of the plant. The shell including doors and decklid were painted by Fisher Body, while the front clip was painted by final assembly in the building next door.

[Transamric]

Originally Posted by giles

Ok I'm confused as to what you guys are calling a "filler panel". I assumed that you meant the fiberglass tail finish panel. It would not have gone through elpo, as the purpose is to electrically charge the body and plate the primer on.
The fenders, hood, and front valance would not have red primer as they did not go through the elpo process. In fact they were never in that part of the plant. The shell including doors and decklid were painted by Fisher Body, while the front clip was painted by final assembly in the building next door.

Chris, I've been thinking we were referring to the panel between the front of the trunk lid and the lower edge of the back glass. No?

[FunctionalShaker]

Yes, trunk lid and panel above it. Mine had the red oxide under it as well. More interested about final paint.

[SS-TA]

Yes I was referring to the "filler panel" as the one between the trunk lid and the rear window. Whatever the black primer is on the Hood and fenders it was the most difficult primer to remove with Aircraft Kleanstrip paint stripper (the red oxide comes off easily).

[giles]

Yup, that makes sense. I would assume the "filler panel" would have gone through the primer bath and and paint mounted in place, but don't know for sure.
The front fenders and hood are interesting as far as paint goes. Most are not aware that they were painted separate from the rest of the body. Not even painted under the same roof. Fisher painted the shell, while the fenders hood and valance were the responsibility of the divisions. If you see original paint cars from this era it is not uncommon to see a slight mismatch between the front clip and body. It is most pronounced on silver and heavy metallic colors like Lucerne blue, key lime green and Coronado gold.