I have a 64 F-85 Deluxe, that was purchased from the GM Desert Proving Grounds by my dad who worked there. It was a fleet/test car prior to him buying it. I am in the process of restoring it, and while stripping the grease and old paint from the rear differential, I noticed that the bottom coat of paint on the "pumpkin" was red. I asked him about it , and he said that when he purchased it, the pumpkin was indeed a "fire hydrant" red. I was hoping that someone might know the reason, and if this was something from the factory, or something that may have beeen done at the proving grounds? The axle ratio is 2:78.
The car is all original, and it will be restored that way.
Thanks for any help with this mystery!

 

Welcome to the site. Never heard of one begin painted red. Can you post pictures of your car?

John

 

Thanks. I have pics, but they show small areas of the car, not really any any good overall shots. Any of particular interest? Provided I can figure out how to download them!

 

We just like pics!
The sight will have you resize your pics. I use a off sight storage and just copy in my replys. I use photobucket