Underbody paint color question

[JerseeJerry55]

I have a underbody paint color question as it pertains to 1960’s/1970’s muscle cars. Is the underbody the same color as the body? Someone told me yes. But my intention is to use Testors One Coat Lacquers. Or should I just go with good old Flat Black?

[mk11]

The auto industry seldom wasted top coat on the bottom of cars; instead it was basically a primer hosed on with jets from the bottom. Ford used red oxide or a mix of leftovers called slop gray depending on the plant or day. 

As the painters couldn't reach far under the rockers, the sides of the floorpan received a light dusting of body color. Other makes were similar in process. 

By the late sixties/early seventies large electrically charged dip tanks were introduced.

Edited Saturday at 10:24 PM by mk11

[johnyrotten]

Here's a couple pictures, 69 daytona and 70 chevelle. It gives you an idea of how things were done

[JerseeJerry55]

Here’s what I picked up at Michael’s today. All kits were $15 each and the rattle kits were $4 each. Not a bad haul.

[gtx6970]

I can only speak for Mopars

 

But no body color underside ever. Unless owner done during a restoration. 

 

Most.were a medium Grey.

Dull black for LA Plant built cars.

With a dusting of body color along the edges only

 

Flat black would be for undercoated cars

[johnyrotten]

2 hours ago, JerseeJerry55 said:

Here’s what I picked up at Michael’s today. All kits were $15 each and the rattle kits were $4 each. Not a bad haul.

Nice haul, I wish mine had deals like that.

[Dr Cobra]

Here's a couple of early Mustangs