front backing plate original color?

Can anyone settle a debate that my dad and I are having? We are redoing the front suspension on our 70 chally with manual drum brakes (10"brakes) and have been arguing as to what the original color of the front backing plates were. I want to say semi flat black and dad seems to think that it was natural steel. I know the backing plates on our rear axle are semi flat black. Would they both be the same colors? As in front and backs?

Thanks for everyones input.

Brian

black phosphate

Thanks Bill.

I am with Bill on this one. Here's something I came up with for my buds 69 RR. I just love the unpainted parts look.

Another one:

Thought the nuts were supposed to be zinc phosphate also?

Quote:

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Another one:

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QuickSilver - what did you use to coat your lower control arms. I like the look