Rear Axle Assembly - How was it originally painted?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I have read in the Paint & Refinish Guide on Page 15 where it speaks of the Front End assembly being painted with Black Japan prior to being assembled. It later speaks of other chassis parts were coated with enamel (either dipped or sprayed) after being assembled. I also read on Page 16 where it mentions the Rear End assembly was painted with (possible the rear end assembly was dipped in??) Black Enamel. When you look at the picture on Page 15 (photo P.833.55630-1) the appearance (sheen & texture) of the Front End assembly has the same appearance as the Rear Axle assembly.

I guess my question is severalfold in that how do we know whether the Rear Axle assembly was painted with Chassis Black enamel --or whether it was in Black Japan paint? Was Black Japan paint of a consistancy in which the assembly could be coated by dipping in lieu of spraying?


One other thing, ..in reviewing several photographs taken of fine-point vehicles and comparing those to the verbiage in the P&RG on Page 16 under FRONT END ASSEMBLY; it mentions of " ...individual pieces being painted a Black Japan prior to assembly." It goes on to say "This subassembly included the axle, spring, spring perches, spring shackles, spindles, spindle bolts, steering arms, tie rod, radius rod, lubricator fittings, and all nuts, bolts, and cotter pins.". I am having difficulty in understanding the wording. Is it saying that all of these pieces were painted seperately and then assembled, --or that these components were assembled first and then those items were painted together?

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