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Looking for the original color of the transmission pan. I've got the pan off the car right now and its in pretty sad shape, mainly rust. I'd like to bring it back to life with a coat of paint but need the color. Thanks to all who make this site and the wealth of info a reality.
If the car is not concours quality, paint it any color you like. Black hides the oil/tranny fluid leak stains, and if all leaks have been solved, chrome paint makes the underside look clean and neat. Go for it!
The pan is just plain stamped steel. To paint it, brush off loose rust; spray (outside) with Zinc Chromate self-etching primer (eliminates further rusting and gets a 'bite' into the bare metal); shoot with stainless-steel color paint or aluminum color paint that is capable of living at engine temperatures {Dupli-color and/or VHT have paints that can stand up to 500*F}; after paint dries, coat it with clear engine enamel (heat capable). Let paint cure for 2 or 3 days before installing.
Laid on a really heavy coat of hi-temp aluminum header paint. NOT alum engine enamel, that's a totally different finish.
Let it dry over night and then buffed it out with steel wool.
The buffing took off the some of the heaviest surface paint while leaving the paint deep down in the roughness from sandblasting in place. Basically smoothed it out.