Proper color for front fender apron for '68 Ranchero

[markapasch]

Dear Members,

Does anyone know the proper color of the front bumper (metal) apron which bolts to the underside of the grille and fits in front of the bumper for a '68 Ranchero 500? Should it be the body color or is black correct?

I am restoring this vehicle and have the front and rear bumpers off for rechroming. I pulled the apron off the front and the underside was speckled with surface rust which I removed and passivated into black primer; the top (visible) surface was painted the body color, but is this how the car came from the factory (the vehicle has been repainted at least once)? I would like the car to look as original as is reasonably possible.

Thanks,

Mark

[ncranchero]

Mark, I believe it is body color, it was on my 1 owner '68 Ranchero. Check out this Yahoo group. These guys eat and sleep '68-'69 Fairlane's, Torino's and Ranchero's. John Huntley has references you wouldn't believe. They're a great bunch, give them a try.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/fairlaneregistry/

[markapasch]

Thanks a lot, Steve.

Mark