The lower shaft parts were not painted. Take a close look at the shaft where it up inside the inner tube and you can see the original finish, not sure what the coating/plating is, greyish green? The coupler was not painted either, had a type of phosphate coating on it. The inner tube is bare metal. Thin retainer was bare metal also. stainless is a good idea. Both plates are gloss black, main tube is suede paint matching the interior. This info is from a disassembled unit off a never restored 68 318 Coronet 440. I found some spray paint that looks close to the colors, will look for the info if you need it.