I can't tell if it was originally black or the aluminum color. Also, were the lines attached to it shiny or painted?

I have seen two versions of the a/c dryer. The one on our car is a shorter, thicker type (steel) which is painted semi flat black. The other, more prevalent version that is still available through GM is all alluminum (unpainted) taller but thinner. As for the lines, the parts that were painted black were in the area behind the grille (all blacked out). The other lines that were left natural unpainted alluminum, were the lines inside the engine compartment.

This is how it was on our 44,000 original mile elky.

That is exactly what I was looking for, thanks.

Mitch,

My original was all aluminum as Brian pointed out, still in there - had it rebuilt a few years ago by a place in Florida.

Rich