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Re: MK IV tail light area (fwd)

To: Scions of the Spitfire <spitfires@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: Re: MK IV tail light area (fwd)
From: Andrew Mace <amace@unix2.nysed.gov>
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 22:07:28 -0400 (EDT)
On Mon, 8 Jun 1998, Barry Schwartz wrote to me, regarding his '72 Mk.IV:

> Hummm, interesting, I'll have to check it out tonight, and to lend credence
> to your theory, I know that the black was painted over the body color, as
> some areas on mine are slightly worn and the original body color shows
> through.  Are you suggesting that the lights were masked off leading you to
> believe it was done over here (I seem to remember reading that it was an
> American innovation similar to some of the striping options)?  In my
> opinion it would be easier (cleaner) to remove the lamp assy and paint but-

Well, a look at the old tub tonight confirms (at least in my mind) that 
yes, it was painted the satin black with all lamps and trim in place. 
There is a clear (so to speak) area on each side of #56 Blue where the 
taillamps mount. Additionally, there is no evidence of the black beyond 
where the various finisher strips would fit on sides or bottom.

Conclusion: satin black was used directly over (probably not even sanded) 
the body color, and the black extends to the finishers that "frame" the 
upper rear valance/taillamp/license plate area. It appears also to have 
been a very thin coat of black, barely enough to have made any sort of 
detectable line  where the black ends and the body color takes over 
again, and barely enough to last through too many applications of wax, 
rain or sun (judging by how much of the black is worn off on this 
particular tub).

All somewhat interesting, to me anyway.

--Andy

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* Andrew Mace, President and                *
*   10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant *
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