51Fred just started a thread with really cool pics of several great looking old Ford trucks. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15271393

In the pics, I see a 51 with the hood trim painted Ford blue, which is what I thought was correct. But there's also another 51 truck and a 51 panel with the trim painted red.

Which is correct? I'm going to paint mine, but don't want to have to do it twice.

 

I don't believe any of those trucks are correct, as-built restorations. Chrome bumpers weren't an option, for instance. The only picture I can find is this one, as far as factory literature.

 

And this one... and they both appear to be black

 

Honestly, I've seen remnants of blue, red and black painted FORD letters on trims that I've had, including the side spears.

 

Well, that's not four color printing in that piece, so it would look black anyway...

I don't know Joe. The black text looks black and the blue text looks blue. I think the color of the trim print is lighter than the black on the license plate (maybe blue?).

I've searched the web for images, but on all the ones with what looks like original body paint, the trim color is gone. And all the ones with fresh paint have been, the trim color is whatever the owner wanted...

Where's Ilya with all his original books?
EDIT: Hi Ilya. We were typing at the same time.

 

Joe, I was able to blow that photo up and the black on the trim IS the same black as the sign on the door. But who really knows how many of these old ads have been touched up?

EDIT: There's no paint on Edith's trim and there was never any sign that it ever had any since I've had her.

 

Hi Joe,

This subject was brought up in my build thread. Chuck from "Chucks Trucks" whom I consider an expert on these old trucks, I believe said they were painted Ford "True Blue" plus I purchased a set like these NOS ones (in their original wrappers) on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-OEM-Ford-1951-F7-Truck-Pickup-Hood-Side-Mouldings-Trim-Pair-Big-Job-/141264027647?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20e3fdffff&vxp=mtr
and they are Blue? Hope this helps .... Keith

 

I have purchased several sets of NOS 1951 side trim and every one was "Ford Blue".

 

Thanks Keith. That's probably where I first read it and couldn't remember...

I bought some Ford Blue paint for it months ago, and then wasn't sure that was right for the trim lettering.

Thanks. That settles it.

And it makes sense to me because the FORD color on my original radio delete plate is Ford Blue.

 

Works for me!

 

Yeah, mine is bare also, and looks like it was never painted. Who knows? Mine will be Ford Blue one of these days.

 

The lack of paint on the hub caps and hood badges actually makes sense. Because these pieces are stainless, and only certain parts were painted, there wasn't any surface prep before paint. Over time, the poorly adhering paint can easily lose adhesion leaving no trace.

 

Yeah I remember polishing cars a few decades back and the painted stainless pieces were not very well adhered. I just assumed my 64 year old trim pieces had been rubbed clean.