Were The French Locks Painted?

[Jace H.]

Putting my L79 back together. Got the block all painted and manifolds on and was wondering if I should spray the french locks? I painted the exhaust manifolds as some here have recommended (It will burn off and look factory with a little paint left on the tips). The ref. manual does not say but does mention that the washers and bolts are black plated.

Thanks,
Jace Holt

[Dennis C.]

Re: Were The French Locks Painted?

Maybe I shouldn't touch this one, but my humble opinion says the french locks were installed prior to engine paint, so I wanna see some orange... Dennis

[Karl #35089]

Re: Were The French Locks Painted?

Jace: The idea behind painting the manifolds is that they were installed at the time the engine was painted. If that's the case, then all the mounting hardware was present at that time and should show whatever degree of paint that area of the manifold shows. (in some cases, later to be unscrewed and re-attached at St. Louis for things like shielding brackets, etc., but that's another subject...) -Karl

[Gene M.]

Re: Were The French Locks Painted?

Jace,
If you are talking about a '65 or '66 L79 small block and not a very late production, then the advice given is true. On very late '66 into '68 the exhaust manifolds were assembled after engine painting. In the case of late '66 thru'68 (not sure beyond '68) the small block exhaust manifolds and attaching hardware were paintless. In the case of the lower alternator brace it was hanging loose and should see orange paint to varing degrees.
Carefull examination of known original cars (late '66 into '68) will show the orange painted head exhaust port in contrast to bare metal of exhaust manifold that could only occur if motor is sprayed without manifolds. Also observe the orange behind the manifolds this would preclude the manifolds being in place.
Removal of manifolds will yield no gaskets and some paint to varing degrees on the mating machined head surfaces.

[Jace H.]

1967 L79 - Saw No Paint Behind Manifolds

My car is a 1967 L79. When we pulled the exhasut manifolds off from an unmolested 35K mile motor there was no paint behind them. My manifolds were pretty rusted up so no paint was visible. A month ago this forum had a debate about wether the manifolds were on or off of a 67 and there were mixed responses. What is the real truth? How about the bypass hose and clamps? Paint or no paint? I am confused.

Thanks,
Jace Holt

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 L79 - Saw No Paint Behind Manifolds

Jace,
The water pump bypass hose and clamps were inplace prior to paint, thus are oversprayed to completely covered in orange. Some of this is outlined in the manual but is not very specific as to the degree one would expect to restore one's car by.
Keep in mind that many of the so called untouched car were infact influenced by hands other than the original GM labor force.