1971 Van Nuys Trunk Q?
 

Need another brain fade question answered.
For '71 Van Nuys Firebirds, was the trunk latch assembly bolted to the body before or after the black fleck was sprayed inside the trunk?
I.E., should the latch assembly be bare metal or have some black overspray on it?

Trunk latch was before any paint. This was installed by Fisher Body in Van Nuys, same as Norwood. This from 2 birds. One I parted as a wreck, other I helped a guy with his trunk release.

Should have mentioned this is a factory installed electric release latch type. Still installed before paint?

I'm asking because I was surprised this original trunk paint TA had a perfectly spotless latch assembly (& lock cylinder). No overspray at all like I expected.

The original latch was put on car at Fisher. The electric one, used the screws from the original, and was installed during assembly. Early ones ( 71's) had the 70 style, later went to the more common one seen which is on the outside of the latch bracket.