Hey anybody!? Im about to re-paint the firewall-cowl area. When I was younger and dumber I painted this area all eng.comp. black. Now that Im sanding and painting I want to do it right. Sooo where does the body color end and the firewall black start, how about the area were the wiper mechanism works.Also I found what looks to be a partial VIN in front of the Pass. side wiper ,what purpose would that have?
Many thanks -MIK

Mik, under the cowl is usually over spray body color and under the cowl panel is where the black satin paint starts. The firewall, inner fender wells, core support and attaching parts are all in the satin black.

There are a few hidden partial vin stampings on the car... I think another behind the heater cover from the firewall side etc... Maybe Jim knows just why they were stamped... I've never heard a definitive answer on that.

But depending on how original you are going, you could paint the whole area under the cowl black, or you could have some over spray. Personally I like it clean looking, all black and finished nicely.

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

I thought multiple VIN stampings were encouraged by law enforcement for vehicle and parts identification in accidents, theft and to discourage chop-shops. Even if the main VIN had been removed, burned or destroyed; the vehicle or its components could be identified.

Brett I appreciate the come back.Under that grille thing (cowl cover?)is that body color?,How much coverage is over spray? Im not loking to restore, just want to be kinda close!
Happy motorin-MIK

Just going from memory, but I don't think the over spray was significant enough to worry about. I'd maybe ask some one like Jim C to take a look at his to double check (his car is pretty original) but I'd probably just paint the area black as most of it is anyway...

I'm sure your right Jim... I would imagine it would be as a way to double check the VIN.

Brett!

While we are on the VIN topic, I need to re-attach the identification plate to the firewall (it was removed prior to the body being dipped).

I thought about just rivets but want it to look correct and the rivets have the holes in them. I believe origianlly it was a smooth river, no holes. Any ideas?

Try http://www.trimtags.com/index.html
These guys have the right stuff for just this reason!

Brett!

Like Jim ,I also think a photo speaks more than words.I fond my Vin. stamps where Brett said in his post.You can see how the rivets are coverd with some kind of sealer.

Bjørn K

Very nice Bjorn! Your right... the pix said more than I could have... and that's saying A LOT! Lol... Nice shots, thanks for sharing!

Brett!