Well I've done some work on the '57 Chevy and I can update my thread.
First of all, after an extensive (and boring!) masking session with tape and cling-film:
I finally finsihed painting the body by adding the chracteristic F-84 red bits, olive drab anti-glare panel and other bits and bobs. I thought I'd paint the tips of the tail fins red to represent the red tips on the wings and tail of the F-84 and the red side window frames represent the red centre canopy framing of the F-84:
Then work commenced on the chassis. After a personal exchange (ooo-er!) with forum member Zee28 I knew how to paint the engine bits. Man, does that guy know Chevrolets!
He calls himself "A bit of an Anorak" but he's more like a walking Chevrolet Encyclopedia! He told me the engine would have been painted orange from the factory, and all the fuel injection bits that were chrome in the kit should be light aluminium and would never have been chromed. Who was I to argue, he really knows stuff! So I followed his suggestions and ended up with the finished floor and engine:
Thanks for looking, more soon!
Well, I won't take offence if someone wants to compliment me on my chassis 
