The red stuff is a reinforcing material. It is like a heavy fiberglass mat that they bond in. Gives the floor some additional strength.

I like the nostalgia look. So I painted the body, frame, and grille shell John Deere Blitz Black. Looks like primer but it is a finish paint that seals out moisture.

The running gear, engine, and transmission are DuPonte ChromaColor II Chevy engine orange. I like red. But everybody else likes red, so I went with orange.

I did use a lot of stainless in my chassis; steering arms, spreader bars, king pins, tie rod ends, and like.

The SoCal chassis is perfect for the nostalgia look. The step boxing gives the appearance of an unboxed frame. If you go with SoCal you should use their complete package; front hairpins, rear axle, rear spring, and ladder bars. Shipping from California to anywhere east of Arizona will be a consideration. Get a quote before you order.

If you are going for the slick look you may prefer another vendor.

American Stamping Company (ASC) in Olive Branch, MS makes the side rails most chassis shops use and they will also sell direct to you. They also offer a crossmembers and boxing plates. If you ar handy with a welder you can save a grand or so by stitching it together yourself. And a bunch on shipping too.

And if you want to run your plumbing inside the rails GMT/Lime Works offers boxing plates with access panels.