Bill, my understanding is that sometime in the 69 model year the cap was changed from the metal, ear type to the round plastic style. Not sure when or why this transition took place. Either is correct and I have seen both styles on 69 cars.
The metal cap w/ears should be painted black in color. I have an original/used one that I recently found which you can see remnants of the black paint on it. I'm sure lots of these caps lost their paint due to handling and fluid being spilled on them over the years.
Hope this helps..
Rich
