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Old May 2, 2011 | 11:43 AM
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Default Engine Compartment Paint

I am rebuilding my 70 454 motor due to a piston failure. I want to paint the block, heads, oil pan, intake, exhaust manifolds, master cylinder, water pump, engine compartment...etc..but i am not sure how it came from the factory. What parts are chevy orange, what parts are black, what parts were gray/aluminum? What about the bolt heads were they orange or natural? What about the fiber glass in the engine compartment, was that naturally a black color, was it painted? I would appreciate any help you can offer.
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Old May 2, 2011 | 12:41 PM
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I will have to check, as I cannot recall off hand. But way back when I started my restoration, the CF guys guided me on the appropriate paints in various areas. they also suggested purchasing the NCRS Restoration guide. If you search for both wthin CF, you will find plenty of threads.... even specifically on engine compartment paint colors - most likely one of my threads inquiring the same question.

Good luck ,....
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Old May 2, 2011 | 03:14 PM
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The Summit racing chevy orange paint is a very nice match imo for factory. Too many are on the bright side. dont know if this helps.
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Old May 2, 2011 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by bill69
...I want to paint the...block, heads, oil pan, intake, water pump, bolt heads...
Chevrolet orange

...exhaust manifolds, master cylinder...
Unpainted, although some master cylinders were semi-flat black.

...What about the fiber glass in the engine compartment...
Slight overspray from exterior color; semi-flat black from blackout.

69 here; 70 would be similar.


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Old May 2, 2011 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Chevrolet orange



Unpainted, although some master cylinders were semi-flat black.



Slight overspray from exterior color; semi-flat black from blackout.

69 here; 70 would be similar.


I think the '70 came with a painted intake manifold, the same chevy orange as the rest of the engine.
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Old May 2, 2011 | 04:52 PM
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Hi Bill,
I, too, suggest you buy the NCRS 70-72 TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL and JUDGING GUIDE.
In the manual you'll find lots of information about what was painted, (and what color), what was plated, (and what type of plating), and what parts were left 'natural'.
The Eastwood catalogue has a WIDE variety of paints and finishes to duplicate the original finishes. So call for one of their catalogues too.
Here are a couple of pictures to encourage you.
Regards,
Alan













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Old May 3, 2011 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Here are a couple of pictures to encourage you.
Regards,
Alan
Alan....i'm so jealous! I'm **** and retentive, but I don't think I could ever get my engine compartment looking as awesome as yours! Thanks for sharing!!
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Old May 3, 2011 | 08:06 AM
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Hi spr,
Yes, you really can.
It's really more about TIME than anything else.
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; May 3, 2011 at 05:03 PM.
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Old May 3, 2011 | 08:23 AM
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Alan: Thats a work of art...& love
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Old May 3, 2011 | 10:23 AM
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Thanks guys that is what i needed to know. Very nice cars by the way, i bet those don't get driven too much though.
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Old May 3, 2011 | 05:07 PM
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Hi Bill,
You're right about the driving, now!
I did drive it though, a LOOOONG time ago! About 40k in a year and a half.
Regards,
Alan

Plus, if they don't make very much hp at least they should be pretty.
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Old May 3, 2011 | 05:28 PM
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Alan, Do I actually see two things not correct on your car?
You've got a full shielded distributor cover and open element air cleaner.
I know you car is an early 71 but the change over to dual snorkel air cleaner and distributor cover top only took place late in 1970 on all small blocks except LT-1. At least I thought.
This is not meant as any disrespect but I could have swore your car was correct down to the caps on the valve stems of the rims.
Your car is a roll model regardless.


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Old May 4, 2011 | 05:15 PM
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Alan, that is absolutely beautiful !! Is the heater box painted ? It looks "natual", but almost shiny like it's brand new. Is your firewall painted. looks the same way. Any help is appeciated.
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Old May 4, 2011 | 05:58 PM
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[QUOTE=Alan 71;1577505379]Hi Bill,
I, too, suggest you buy the NCRS 70-72 TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL and JUDGING GUIDE.
In the manual you'll find lots of information about what was painted, (and what color), what was plated, (and what type of plating), and what parts were left 'natural'.
The Eastwood catalogue has a WIDE variety of paints and finishes to duplicate the original finishes. So call for one of their catalogues too.
Here are a couple of pictures to encourage you.
Regards,
Alan


Alan, I still have not seen a pic of your whole car. You are teasing me with these pics! You are also encouraging me to dig into my engine compartment again and clean/paint/chrome some more. My wife already thinks I'm bats. Please give us a pic of your ride........
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Old May 4, 2011 | 06:32 PM
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Hi qlw,
You're very right.
I ran a open air cleaner and 70 distributor box for years because I liked the look of them so much better.
Starting last fall I've been getting it ready for Flight Judging this Fall in honor of it's 40th birthday. Right now it does have the 71 air cleaner and ignition shielding on it.
I'm getting used to the look but will probably go back to the 70 parts after it's been judged.
Regards,
Alan

Thanks very much for the VERY kind comment.
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Old May 4, 2011 | 06:37 PM
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Hi d,
Once I have the car prepared for Flight Judging I'll take some pictures.
So please be patient for a couple more months.
It's really just a very ordinary 71 coupe, with a bit of wacko attention detail.
Regards,
Alan
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Old May 4, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi d,
Once I have the car prepared for Flight Judging I'll take some pictures.
So please be patient for a couple more months.
It's really just a very ordinary 71 coupe, with a bit of wacko attention detail.
Regards,
Alan
It's not "wacko" if it's a labor or love. To me it's my relaxation time away from the job. I'll be waiting. Good luck, not that you will need it, you will have NO problem.
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Old May 9, 2011 | 04:47 AM
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What's the best way to prep the engine for paint? Simple green and a toothbrush? And I'm not describing an engine that has caked grime This thread has motivated me to finally perk up the engine compartment.

My radiator has a leak and I've found an auto place that can run pressure tests and repair leaks. so, while I've got it out, I'll do the entire compartment.
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Old May 9, 2011 | 04:49 AM
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Very cool cars! that's exactly what i want yo know .
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Old May 9, 2011 | 05:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi Bill,
I, too, suggest you buy the NCRS 70-72 TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL and JUDGING GUIDE.
In the manual you'll find lots of information about what was painted, (and what color), what was plated, (and what type of plating), and what parts were left 'natural'.
The Eastwood catalogue has a WIDE variety of paints and finishes to duplicate the original finishes. So call for one of their catalogues too.
Here are a couple of pictures to encourage you.
Regards,
Alan













Top job, looks great !
Reply



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