Can anyone shed light on what finish the factory applied to suspension components, i.e. struts, sway bar and clamps, brake backing plates etc.?  I can't tell whether it was originally gloss black that had faded over the years, or satin black.
 
Thanks.

Pretty sure most was powder coat satin black. I've pulled struts from a 30k km mk2 escort and were satin black... They also had a red and yellow brush marks just below the spring platform , i reckon this was to tell if the strut was for rally pack or RS etc code

Petty sure it was satin black aswell, can't see any part number in the parts manual for the underside paint...
The paint smears were for the assembly line according to the book they should be.... 
Front springs
Red/ White - 1600 and van
Green - 2 litre
Green/ Light Green - Rallye Pack and Van
 
Rear springs-
Green/ White - Sedan and coupe
Pink/ White - Van
Red/ Green/ White - heavy duty Van
 
The diffs had a red smear, not sure why and found a green smear on the steering knuckle when my car was apart...
Cheers Drew...
 

Thanks fellas - good to know, especially as I'm more partial to satin black.