Textured underside of front and rear lids on early A cars

[Joris Koning]

All,

Trying to do some research on the use of what I think is undercoating on early A cars (probably October 55 through march 56) Are there any people out there who have this on their car? If so I would love to see some pictures and learn of your chassis number. I am trying to locate the cut off point.

Many thanks,

Joris

Attached a picture showing the undercoat?? on the underside of a hood on an unrestored February 56 car

[James Davies]

55596 with a Kardex date of 8 Feb 1956 has the undercoated front hood.

[Joris Koning]

Thanks James! that gives me a new data point. So far 55772 is the latest car I have

[Jeroen van der Velden]

Joris,

My 1956 coupe #55930 also has the undercoating on hood and engine lid

Jeroen

[Jeroen van der Velden]

Very bad picture but the inside of the hood and engine lid had this texture.
The innerframes of hood and engine lid only had a little overspray.

[Jeroen van der Velden]

After restoration.....

[Joris Koning]

Hi Jeroen,

Thanks for sharing, that moves the use up to #55930.

Another question, did your car have silver or body colored wheel?

Thanks,

Joris

[Jeroen van der Velden]

The original color is polyantha red (1956 only) wheels where in body color also.
The original color was still on the inside of the rims.

[Joris Koning]

Jeroen, cool stuff. It would be interesting to figure out when the factory stopped using body colored wheels

[Jeroen van der Velden]

for those who are interested... some more very early "A" details.

-grey seal behind hood handle
-battery floor without central rib and pre A drain cups
-raised area on the left and right side of the gas tank floor.

[James Davies]

Joris, coupe 58589 is an original paint survivor with Aquamarine metallic wheels. Original tires too. I believe this is from late Jan or early Feb 1957.

[James Davies]

I've got a hood with the textured underside on it. See attached photo. It has "537" stamped on it. Don't know if that helps.

[Vic Skirmants]

58589; smooth trunk and engine lid. Car manufactured March 20, 1957. Original transmission has a build date of January 1957..

[Joris Koning]

Thanks Vic, so painted wheels were probably used for longer compared to the textured lids. I am posting a new thread to see if we can gain some transparency with regard to the use of body colored wheel on early A's.

[Bruce Edge]

Joris,
My 1956A coupe #56731 has textured lid.

Bruce Edge