Original C3 L-48 Engine Paint scheme

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 18, 2016 | 11:33 PM

Taildragon

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: Key Largo Florida

Original C3 L-48 Engine Paint scheme

Can any of the historical NCRA experts give me the details of the original L-48 Paint scheme? Pictures would be most welcome.

I'm having a frame off done and we're are brainstorming engine paint ideas. I've already spent numerous hours online searching on my own to no avail. I haven't ruled out the stock factory paint setup that comes with the LS3. Not really into lots of bling under the hood.

The car will be all original in appearance including the original color and interior. Im going with an LS3 motor and Trans from GM and all upgraded suspension, steering and drive train mods available today. Sorry to all the purists but this car lost its numbers matching engine 20 years ago and that has influenced my decision to go with the modern engine setup.

Thank you in advance for any responses.

Taildragon

Feb 19, 2016 | 01:26 AM

Frank_Nesta

Racer

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 480

Likes: 42

From: Los Angeles CA

I am no NCRA expert. But, if I understand your question. 1968 - 1976 engines were Chevy red. 1977 and beyond were Chevy blue. I hope this is what you were looking for. What year is your C3?

Feb 19, 2016 | 06:42 AM

Taildragon

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: Key Largo Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Nesta

I am no NCRA expert. But, if I understand your question. 1968 - 1976 engines were Chevy red. 1977 and beyond were Chevy blue. I hope this is what you were looking for. What year is your C3?

Thanks Frank. You are referring to Chevy Orange right? Mine is a 1974. So, the whole thing was Chevy Orange? Block, heads, intake, timing cover, water pump, valve covers?

Feb 19, 2016 | 07:37 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 38,923

Likes: 1,482

From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

What is NCRA? Do you possibly mean NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society)?

Have you tried Google Images for pics?

Feb 19, 2016 | 07:57 AM

Taildragon

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: Key Largo Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Hi Td,
Maybe something like this?
Regards,
Alan

I believe that water pump nipple should have been painted too.

Thanks Alan. This all helps.

And yes Easy Mike, I meant NCRS instead of NCRA. Have googled many photos and seen lots of bling. I really wanted to know how the engine looked from the factory in '74.

Thanks
TD

Feb 19, 2016 | 08:53 AM

jgcable

Pro

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 572

Likes: 21

From: Milford, CT

Keep in mind... in 77 the first half of the year the motors were orange, the second half they were blue.

Feb 20, 2016 | 11:05 AM

Dino_'72

Pro

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 610

Likes: 168

From: Vancouver B.C.

Taildragon I'm thinking the info you are looking for is how was the engine paint prepped when it left the plant.

I see all different things when people restore their cars like: the external head bolts are not painted. Same with intake. VIN pad unpainted. No orange overspray on bell housing, but I've seen factory restorations that have overspray on bell housing and exhaust manifolds. Chalk marks, etc. Is this the info you are after? NCRS judging manuals I would think have this info? Not sure. I don't have one. Also I think different engine plants spray prepped their motors differently. Again I think I see your logic. You want to present an LS3 period correct as best u can on the paint scheme.

Feb 21, 2016 | 01:24 PM

Dino_'72

Pro

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 610

Likes: 168

From: Vancouver B.C.

Nice summary Alan. Yes most engine restorations i see are certainly better looking than how they left the factory, plus especially on Camaros and Chevelles I see much more in the way of chalk marks, decals etc that are added for the show and shine crowd I think to give a high restoration impression when in fact many of those decals were not used.