There are PreWar Mercurys that are strictly according to how they were described in sales material. There are PreWarMercurys that have obvious post factory alterations. There are also PreWar Mercurys that are different from other of same model. A friend had a 1940 Mercury single that was factory in every respect, BUT, it had a Thor type powerhead mounted on an aluminum leg and lower unit. An example of Waste Not, Want Not at Kiekhaever Corporation. There are also MANY examples of post factory alterations. These are usually not up to factory standard of workmanship. One example that wen above and beyond was a KD3 gas tank that would never leak again…all the seams were welded .More usual standard was use of house wire in place of ignition leads.
I can not comment on Red paint. I can comment on Dull Aluminum onf 1940 K4 twin. A barn find grungy motor . With WD40, tooth brush and rag the grunge came away revealing original paint in very good condition. For the record It was Dull Aluminum with a Flat finish.
Good workmanship at factory makes it stand out against much of post factory work just as a motor that has been appreciated and cared for stands out from one tha ha been thru the mill.
.Louis
Tom T. (whom I greatly respect) more of less told me that prewar Mercuys show many variations due to the hectic conditions at a new company in turbulent times. In addition, 8 decades of use, neglect, indifferent storage as well as mechanics of various skills and resources leave few hints as what is factory and what is something else. Part of the fun with Old Mercs.
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