I've asked this before, but never got an answer. Was the entire load rest painted blue, or was the adapter blue, while the hook remained gray. If that's the case, would the rivet be left unpainted?

Looks like an original.

Thanks William. That was what I wanted to know. Now to find someone who can install a large rivet. Spring shop, maybe?

Is this a semi tubular or solid rivet ?

Ve3
 

NOS VE3 Hook

If your asking about the rivet by the VE3 stamp, that's a tubular, or semi tubular rivet.

Yes, that rivet :) , thanks. There are repops for both the VE3 part of the bracket and the entire thing. I have a load rest already that the bracket can be attached to with the rivet. Its stamped 'Camaro 1969" without the "UN" though. I assume this is still correct?

You can tell a difference between the real VE3 hook and the repop

The real ones are stamped and the difference in the edges of a laser cut VS a die stamped part is quite noticeable.