Reply To: Chassis Finish

[Gregory Long]

While the chassis were painted gloss black, they did not get the extensive metal finishing, priming, filling etc that the body received. A Pierce chassis had probably a primer and a black top coat. You can see tool marks stamping marks, rivet set over strikes etc on a Pierce chassis.

The ‘Salon’ cars, those prepared or made for an Auto show, would probably get some extra cosmetic work done on the paint finish of the chassis.

A Pierce chassis did NOT have the ‘dipped in plastic’ look that too many restoration shops create. It just looks and is wrong.

On some models, the chassis is not hidden under sheet metal, The series 80 last two feet of the chassis is painted gloss black, as are the fenders and splashpans. The heavy steel cover over the gastank is part of the frame, and has the rear spare tire bracket bolted to it.

On Series 81 cars, there is a sheet metal facia over the rear frame/gas tank cover area.

Greg Long.