1939 Buick Special brake backing plate color

[Bob H]

Were 1939 Special backing plates galvanized or a zinc color? Not much color left on mine but there is a hint of grey rather than black. My motors manual, while black and white, shows the backing plates lighter in color than nearby components. The Buick shop manual also looks like more like a grey rather than black. Thanks, Bob H

[Matt Harwood]

I believe they were cadmium plated like those on my '41. Should be a dull gray/silver color (not golden cad). There are others who would argue that everything was just black, and I don't think you would be docked points for doing it that way, but on my '41, I did them in a cad-looking silver finish and I like the highly detailed look of various colors and levels of gloss rather than a uniform satin black.

 

Hope this helps!

[Bob H]

Thanks Matt, at least we have two votes for grey rather than black. Bob H

[Glassesguy]

Agree with Matt. Mine have never been painted even after removing grease and dirt years ago.

[Grandpa]

The pictures of 1941 Buick assembly were taken at GM's Linden, New Jersey, plant during early production.  As can be seen, the Buicks assembled at the Linden plant had the brake backing plates painted chassis black at the time that the pictures were taken.  The rear axle assembly is shown in primer being installed into an inverted chassis.  After the chassis is assembled, it is painted chassis black, including the backing plates, exhaust system, and brake lines.  Since the gas tank isn't shown in the body drop picture, the gas tank is likely left as is with a galvanized finish with galvanized or cadmium plated straps and installed after the body drop.

[Grandpa]

The picture of a 1939 Buick was taken in GM's South Gate Plant in California.  This plant is also known as the Tweedy Plant because it was located on Tweedy Blvd.  It appears from the picture that the 1939 Buick had the brake backing plates painted chassis black as assembled at this plant.

[Matt Harwood]

Great photos, Grandpa! Thanks for sharing those. I have heard from several sources that the entire bottom of the car was just painted chassis black after it was assembled, although I still personally like the highly-detailed look of varying finishes and colors. But with these photos, I'd agree that painting everything black appears to be how most cars were built.

 

PS: Check out the polishing swirls on the bodywork of that sedan!