The '85 is black and rusted away, the'86 is gray and in pretty good shape. My uncles '86 is also gray and in good shape.

 

Lariat 85,

I just had a thought... once, while at a car show, I overheard judges of a 1970 Boss 302 remarking of known paint differences in the lay out of the stripes [where they originated under the hood] depending on which manufacturing plant the particular car was made.

Perhaps the differences already noted by you are based on point of manufacture rather than trim level. My 1986 red with the grey radiator support was manufactured in Michigan.

 

My Light Canyon Red 1985 LARIAT with the black radiator core support was manufactured in Twin Cities, Minnesota.

 

my 86 is grey, mfg in Kansas City.....but, i have noticed 86 models seem to be grey more often

 

I have seen quite a few 85-86 models, base to Lariat's with the gray core support. I can't say I've ever seen any that were not either gray or black though, unless it was a respray.....

 

Ha, I'm probably screwing everybody up. I have painted every one I have ever owned black 'cause I thought it looked better than a light or body color.

 

Black behind the grill, body color along the top

 

My 1980 has a black rad support. I'm in Canada and my truck was built in Canada. I don't know if there were any grey or body colour ones in Canada.

 

1985, Light Canyon Red, base model, grey support. MFD'd in Canada.

 

1985 Bronco, Regatta blue, base model, regatta blue core support.