73-87 headlight bezel - black paint factory or not?

[jocko]

spend most of my time in the 67-72 world, but love my 76 too! Have a simple question regarding original factory painting (or lack thereof) of the headlight bezel. Pictured is one that is painted, and I like the look, however, I've never seen an old/original picture of one rolling off the line WITH that black paint. In fact, every brochure I've seen, not that they are known for their accuracy, has not had the black paint. Hard to tell on my 76 if it ever had black paint there at some point, it "looks" like it never has, but it could have worn off with time completely, who knows. Always wondered if it trickled into existence from those that used to have 69-70's that did have the factory black trim paint on the headlight bezel. Anyone got any early 73-77 pics of something coming out of the factory - or an original owner that knows it was or was not painted? Or was it painted at some point, then discontinued, or vice versa? Pics appreciated. Thanks gents!

[77K10Silverado]

watching. Id like to know as well for fixing mine up.

[enaberif]

I thought they were either all chrome or painted silver inside. Never came black to my knowledge.

[E.D.75GMC]

As far as I know 73/74 were black and 75-80 were argent.. but I have seen pictures of very original trucks with a darker shade than argent..

[RodsGreen10]

My 76 has argent silver in that location. I still have the originals on my truck also!

[KQQL IT]

Black with a 73-4 grille, gives a sunken look like the grille.

[Malo83]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Black with a 73-4 grille, gives a sunken look like the grille.

Like those lights with the smiley face

[6cylinderstepside]

Yes, I thought it was 73-74 only that had the black and with the new grille came the silver/argent/bare/without the black...

[Titomars]

My 77 came argent. As I remember the 73/74 models were the only ones that came black stock. just like the T/S lenses being amber. I prefer them black and the amber lenses.

[TrailerTrash]

i just did a 73-74 grill conversion on my 77 and i painted the bezels black just like pictured. i thought all 73 and 74s had the black plus i really like the look.

Originally Posted by Titomars

My 77 came argent. As I remember the 73/74 models were the only ones that came black stock. just like the T/S lenses being amber. I prefer them black and the amber lenses.

can you tell me about your under bumper air dam thing? ive only ever seen them on 81-87s. is it from a truck of those years?

[Titomars]

Originally Posted by TrailerTrash

can you tell me about your under bumper air dam thing? ive only ever seen them on 81-87s. is it from a truck of those years?

Yes it is. Since the 73 to 80 bar lacks the mounting surface under it I bolted on some 1 1/4 inch flat stock to mount it the ends bolt directly through the bumper bar.

[Crcrft78]

My 73 was an original owner truck before I bought it and the headlight bezels are black.

[TrailerTrash]

Originally Posted by Titomars

Yes it is. Since the 73 to 80 bar lacks the mounting surface under it I bolted on some 1 1/4 inch flat stock to mount it the ends bolt directly through the bumper bar.

awesome thanks dude

[jocko]

Thanks very much everyone, really appreciate the answers. Think that seals it: 73/4 yes, rest no (argent).