'57 Belair Sedan chrome trim?

[Kit Basher]

Is there any standard/ original pattern for the chrome trim around the roof and doors of this car? The images I've seen seem to be all over the place. I saw one in a parking lot this morning that had chrome below the windows, with everything else body color. Other images show that area as body color with chrome rain gutters. Others look like there's chrome all around the door openings, and chrome or roof color gutters. Is there any rhyme or reason to this?

Also I've heard that the floor pans are red oxide primer with black chassis rails, except when they're primer gray.

I'm totally confused (not unusual!).  Any help out there?

[oldnslow]

It would depend on the body style, ie. Belair, 210, 150 etc. as to what the trim level was on a given car. Many car builders add trim that wasn't on a particular car just for their own tastes in styling. Best bet would be to look at the car brochures for the model you want to replicate.

[Longbox55]

http://www.oldcarbrochures.org/NA/Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet/1957-Chevrolet-Engineering-Features-Booklet/1957-Chevrolet-Engineering-Features-001

Red oxide primer would be correct for the floor pan, with satin black on the frame rails. Minimal, if any, overspray near the sills (this tends to get overdone). The 3rd member for the rear differential is also a red oxide/rust red color, satin or semi-gloss finish.

[Kit Basher]

Thanks for that link, Bill, very interesting. Also thanks for the chassis info.