the numbered color system is just one of many aspects behind what I "see" in UO that I don't have the first clue about.
It just seems odd that "white" clothing appears as normal on the in-game avatars as well as in the paperdoll, but affects the metal chests in this way. I have some deeded dyed white housing add ons. maybe I will try placing them and see what the effects are. Thanks for the response.