Why a white bottom?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I am curious why the old time drag/street racers painted the undersides of their cars white. I know that Don Fezell's Strickler Z11 is white, and some Yenko Novas were painted white as well. I had heard that it was for heat dissapation?? Is this true? If so, how?
Marlin

[JoeC]

A light color will reflect more heat, but I have read that some people would paint the underside white so an oil or fuel leak would be more visible. The white may also have been done for "style" back in the day.

[68l30]

I read somewhere (MCR interview with Jenkins ?) that the Strickler car was painted to easily find cracks in the frame and suspension.

[Mr70]

I know Bob Hamilton's 1970 Drag Chevelle "Red Alert" had the engine block painted Yellow so any oil leaks would be easily visible.

[Belair62]

68 I read the same thing years ago....Strickler etc. used white paint to make frame cracks more noticeable.Makes sense too.Not that a 62 frame would EVER crack.Much too tough for that !

[Chevy454]

There is a local truck puller here that is also in old Chevys, who insists on painting his driveshafts, and recommended it to me...it makes it a lot easier to tell if it's twisted or cracked.