The side molding on my '40 Chev Special Deluxe Coupe has a center groove. (not painted)

The Chev Engineering Features book that I purchased indicates that it is a "contrasting color". Can anyone clarify in more detail what is acceptable? (I'd like to paint it red to contrast with an otherwise conservative paint job). Many thanks.

The Special Deluxe has a stainless steel moulding held on by clips.It has no painted stripe.The Master Deluxe and Master 85 have a moulding that is pressed into the body sheet metal.It has a stripe in the center that matches the wheel stripe.

There is a huge error in the 1940 Engineering Features book.After the book was printed the names of the series and their equipment were changed.The book lists the MD as the best model,the M 85 as the low priced car and it having leaf front springs with coils optional.

The the top of the line series name was changed to SD and has the chrome hood louvers,belt moulding, window mouldings and better interior with clock etc....The Master DeLuxe became the mid-line, was equipped simualr to the 1939 MD, which was the top line in 1939 and had coil springs ('40 SD was a much more DeLuxe car).....The 1940 M 85 car came only with leaf springs,had no running board mouldings,bumper guards, ash trays, assist straps...etc.It also had the economy 3.73 rear axle ratio rather than the "high performance" 4.11.It was the stripped version.

Rather confusing?????

Chevgene - I'm humbled. Thanks for the detailed response. Not really confusing after I read it a couple of times.