What parts of the front suspension/brakes and rear axle/springs were painted? What color? I am guessing semi-gloss black. Also, were the parts sprayed or dipped?

The reason I am asking is that this weekend I got a 10" drum brake setup with full front suspension, complete rear axle with leaf springs. All the parts are off a 74 Dart Swinger (I believe). There appears only to be paint on the rear axle center section, and that is a red oxide primer on the cast section. I can find no indications of black paint anywhere. Just a light rust and dirt. The torsion bars are painted/coated in black, but the LCAs where they fit into are rusty, no paint.

Also, what is the best way to refinish the torsion bars?

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Restoring Wife's Great Grandparent's 1963 Dart.
Built August 30, 1962 in St Louis
First month of production
Serial Number 599
Still is a basket case.

The way they did the torsion bars in an old Mopar Muscle article I read was to build a tray and dip them. If I remember right this was to mimic the factory and the drip marks. I think they used POR 15. If I come across it at home I will send you the info. You might try a search on their websight. Mike

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Thanks Mike

I did my rear with 2 coats of POR15 silver + 2 of chassis black after using their special cleaner on it; seems to be holding extremely up well after >7 years. On my Plymouth, I didn't see any trace of factory paint; either they didn't paint it or it had all fallen off long ago.