Were the metal straps that hold the gas tank originally painted black, or were they natural silver color? 1972

 

On 1966s, I have seen both. Sorry, no 72 experience.

 

Kind of a galvanized metal look to them.

 

I have seen both too. Sometimes that means correct, but other times it means someone looked at someone else's car, that was really nice (or nicer than his) and assumed it was done correctly. Been there, done that. Not a big deal, but since the tank is out, why not do it right.

 

I just found an old copy of "How To Restore Your Musclecar" by Greg Donahue and Paul Zazarine. They state that the straps are 30% gloss black.

 

I think GD + PZ are wrong. I'm not positive about 1972, but other later years like 69, they were galvanized...natural looking. The black straps were a Chevy thing, and people just copy them 'cuz they think it's right. It's like the gold alternator fans, they were never used on 442's! Or...gas tank strap insulators on 442's. Get a 2nd opinion.

 

They are wrong. The tank straps were galvanized metal and didn't need painting. If there's any paint on the straps or tanks it would have been from the factory spraying black underneath to help prevent corrosion.

When I took my OEM straps off 2 years ago to restore the fuel system the inside of the tank straps were ordinary galvanized color - no paint at all. The car had been undercoated in 86 so the bottom of those straps had coating on it that I had to clean off.
Pic of tank straps just after being removed.


After cleaning them I shot them with cast and cleared over that. They look darker now probably about the 30% you suggested, but that wasn't ever intended or planned. Probably more contrast against the shiny new Spectra GM34R. They look like this now: