I always wondered why some core supports were unpainted and otheres were painted black...was this merely just Fords part or different years or is there some signifant mechanical/structural differences and this denotes it ? Just curious; the original in the 85 we got is unpainted and the replacement off another is flat black. I don't see too many unpainted ones, so I was wondering. It has all the original markings and stickers so i don't think it's aftermarket.

Typical black one:



(this one might be painted but mine is definitely bare metal, you get the idea color wise) This is also off a later truck but pretend its a bullnose for a minute.

 

I don't remember having seen one that wasn't painted. I know the two 81', two 82's, and one 85 I've had all had black radiator supports. Obviously that isn't a comprehensive list and doesn't prove anything.

 

My 85 core support is the Grey.

 

The core support in my 86 is black and the core support for my pulling truck is a primer gray color.

That black one you show is juts an E-coat(shipping primer) and will rust within 1 year if not topcoat with something

 

Look here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...e-support.html

 

Thanks for the link.

The black one I linked is off a factory truck in my garage (thats just a stock photo for reference). I only just the other day noticed the difference as I pulled the battery prepping to snow plow.