bb, because it looks better IMO yes, and his father in law also made up the new deflector plate out of the same heavier gauge zinc plated steel. not sure the green i used is period specific either way.
the 1970's decals looked cheap and understated compared to the 1960's decals.
i like to think it was rebuilt better than new so sticking with original colours and decals would not be true, especially with a new engine.
