On a 1958 Cadillac was the data plate installed before the car was painted??

[johnregrus]

During the 1958 Cadillac's assembly was the data plate installed on the firewall before or after the car was painted?
My restoration shop left the data plate on and painted over it when painting the firewall body color. Somehow it does not look correct to me. Thanks   

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

The data plates were left "in the white" and not painted over in the 50's.  At
least I don't ever recall seeing an original or restored car that way.  My 1955's
data plate was unpainted aluminum. 

Mike

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

My 48-49 Fastback plates were painted body color.

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

My 1950 and 1951 plates were unpainted aluminum. My 1940 plate is unpainted aluminum.

[52Cadillac]

Unpainted.
Mike

[C.R. Patton II]

Hello John

Wonderful to read you are improving your Cadillac.

All 1958 Cadillac models had body plates installed after the paint process. Please allow me to suggest that you acquire a Class 16 Authenticity Manual which could serve as a guide from Bill Anderson, a renowned restorer. Also ask an infinite amount of questions BEFORE an error occurs. We are here to assist you.

[Jon S]

My original unrestored purchased new - unpainted . . . and the firewall on the Versailles Green car is body color while the AC cover (non-AC) is painted black from the factory . . . not body color.  I've seen too many painted body color.