In keeping my low mileage 56 F100 in as original condition as I can, some items simply need replacement. Last year it was the brake lines. This year it's the shocks. I'm pretty sure that the shocks on the truck are originals. They appear to be black. Fronts are studded on both ends. Rears studded on one end. My questions are, were the original shocks painted black or dark blue? Also, is there a stock appearance shock out there that out-performs the old ones. Gas shocks vs. hydraulic? Thanks.