Thanks for clarifying Tim.....Guy's you would have to know the individuals who have owned this car from day one....every and mean every effort has been made the past 40 years to maintain this vehicle as it was built....My only guess as to why a few items are painted black may be due to them residing in a black engine compartment? This is pure speculation of course...as for the heat stove it was painted black prior to installation of course...my last two were also the same way...did you notice 3/4 of the stove still has paint on it?? I'd say that's about right for a 35,000 mile car......Dave