Verne Frantz's 63 Impala Anniversary SURVIVOR

[Verne_Frantz]

Mo,
I have another question for your Dad, if you don't mind. This one might be tough, as it only applies to one year and one option.

I've documented an original '61 Impala with the Super Sport option built at St. Louis in Feb. The '61 Impalas had a small crossed flag emblem on the right side of the dash (remember, the glove box was in the middle). In the factory brochures for the Super Sport, a grab bar was added to that area of the dash (just like '62), but the crossed flag emblem was missing (it would have been behind the bar). I've also seen other "real" '61 SSs without the crossed flag emblem. The holes for the emblem which were already punched were filled in with body solder and painted over. This finish wasn't perfect, as though someone had "restored" the car that way.
So, the question is: Does your Dad remember any of these '61 "oddballs" that had those holes filled and filed in the dash when the car came in for paint?

Also, was the metal dash painted before or after the body, and what kind of masking was done between the two?

(just let me know if I'm wearing out my welcome)

Thanks
Verne.