Original starter solenoid color

[Gambitt]

I just had a starter reworked and the original delco solenoid is painted black. Is this how it was from the factory? Thanks.

[68Zproject]

Mine was /is a silver gray, almost like Rally wheel color.  Don't know for sure if that's right though.

[Gambitt]

I'm being told they were black, but I was hoping for someone with an untouched car to answer this. 

[68Zproject]

The cap is black, but I'm almost positive the rest of it isn't.  MacNeish has a picture in his books and they are a silver metal color.  I don't think its paint but bare metal.  He could tell you for sure.

[Gambitt]

Yeah, I've seen that pic, but the nose on that starter is also painted black, so I wonder how correct it actually is.  I really have no idea, but I am like you...all the solenoids I have seen have been a natural color, but I am being told that is incorrect, so I am trying to find out for sure.

[JohnZ]

The metal shell on original solenoids is silver zinc-plated.

[Gambitt]

Thanks JohnZ...I figured you would eventually chime in...I think the rear plate is black originally, but I have seen some of these repo/restamp units that are natural...is black correct?