Hello Alan, They are bare metal but are protected with a substance called Wet Graphite Film Lubricant. It is unequaled for protecting bare metal and can be purchased from NAPA under part #765-1412. It does not change the color of metal but obviously gives it a “wet” look. Before the shows I wipe off the excess and the remaining residue protects it until I can get it back on the lift and apply some more. I put in on the bare metal pieces about once a year and the parts never even get a tinge of surface rust. The bare metal on My Cuda looks just as fresh as the day it was finished 3 years ago. Keep in mind that the cars are kept in a temperature controlled garage and I don’t take them out in the weather. The stuff doesn’t wash off either.
