motor grill/vertical slots 70/71

[911T1971]

My unrestored 71T ( received respray in 04) has the top side of its 5 vertical straps (rear motor grill) painted
black matt, it looks like applied by hand.

The mesh is black anodized, which I think is correct.
Now I always thought the mesh is black but 5 straps and rear metal grill are all silver up to 71 2.2litre models.

I recently read Roger's thread and while looking at the rear grill, the top side of its 5 vertical straps are black painted too.
The sides of the straps are not painted..only the top side in between the horizontal bars, covering the screws.
http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ead.php?t=7818
http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...light=700+mile

So 2.2litre 70/71 had this detail while leaving the factory ? Anybody can confirm this observation?
Thanks in advance

here is the pic from Roger's car:

[Bummler]

My 69 E has only 3 vertical bars, they went to 5 in 70

I believe they are there to hold, stabilize, and provide a mounting platform for the horizontal chrome bars. The vertical bars and mesh behind it have always been black.

Is that what you were inquiring about?

[911T1971]

I am wondering if the top side of each of the 5 straps was originally painted black matt for the 2.2litre 70/71 models only.

Johnson's book (pp 30) is not directly referring to it..maybe some period photos do.

[aturboman]

911T1971 I'm having the same debate on my currently all original 1971, that I'm starting a full restoration on. My observations are that my grill has all the verticle support bars in black. The mesh about 1" on either side of the bars is also black but not the entire mesh. It is possible that the paint on the remainder of the mesh has faded or flaked off over the years but there is no evidence of that.
It appears like the black paint was hand applied quickly with a brush during the assembly of the grill. I believe they slapped paint on the support bars and then rivited the outer grille bars on. Like you I'd really like to get some confirmation as to what is correct.

[Bummler]

A close up of one of the bars on my '69. This grill is original and unrestored.

[911T1971]

thank you !
so the conclusion is:

The rear motor grill vertical straps (3 for 69 and 5 for 70-71, flat design) have been painted black matt (top side only) as 69-71cars left factory.

[Bummler]

thank you ! -so the conclusion is (?):

The rear motor grill vertical straps (3 for 69 and 5 for 70-71, flat design) have been painted black matt (top side only) as 69-71cars left factory.

That would be my conclusion..