convertible top question

[D&SW]

I'm having a new top put on the spider....

on my existing frame, the broad metal piece at the front of the top (it's about 4-5" wide and forms the front of the top that fastens to the windshield) is bare metal;

originally, was this covered with fabric or just painted? It has weld dimples in it and is generally not very attractive in black paint so I'm wondering how it was done originally.

Thanks

David