[Editor] With the change in Sep. 1959 to the 356B model, those parts were all painted semi-gloss black. During 356A production they were a shade of beige (a light "tan", see photo at right) or gray. Gray may have been used primarily on red or black cars, but much less often than beige. NLA/Stoddard stocks a rattle can of beige paint that is a good color match for 356A and earlier steering wheels and steering columns (part number NLA 095 060 00). The beige color of the dash knobs, steering wheel, column, and turn signal housing often did not match exactly, probably because those parts came from different suppliers who didn't use the same paint forumla. Most restorers paint all those parts the same color. 1955 model year and earlier 356s had semi-gloss or gloss black steering columns and turn signal housings. Rich Peters notes that, "the gloss black in the old days was really not a "wet gloss" look. I recommend using a 'rattle can' gloss black, leave in the sun all day, you'll have the correct color."

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