77 Timing Cover (and other Paint)

[Michael B.]

Hi Folks,

In painting the timing chain cover, oil pan, tranny pan it appears the timing tab had some paint at some point but the bulk of it has none; at least on my car. Several question for the experts.

Is the timing tab itself painted and is it safe to sandblast or will the look be damaged? The numbers and notches are very clear right now but I figured a light blast would help adhesion. Was the seal insert area painted? I am speaking of both the seal that runs through to the balancer and the seal against the oil pan. It looks like neither was originally.

Were the back sides of any of the pans coated? It appears not to me but I am concerned leaving them uncoated for the months (years...???) still to go until reassembly.

By the way, the GM Corp Blue engine paint from Plasti-kote is an amazing match. I tested it on one of the spark plug loom supports against one that still had good paint.

And if anyone is interested I've designed a cheap bushing press (for the geeks in the audience). Glad to share if it helps. It has worked great at removing and re-installing the A-Arm bushings - no cutting, burning... swearing.

Thanks all in advance.

Michael B.

[William C.]

Re: 77 Timing Cover (and other Paint)

Just as an aside, "How To" articles are always welcome in "The Restorer". You might get ahold of Terry McManmon and see what it would take to make a small story. Much wider audience than this board.

[Alan D.]

Re: 77 Timing Cover (and other Paint)

Michael,
The timing cover was painted while assembled to the engine. The timing indicator on my 1977 is not painted. It was probably wiped off after painting and just the numbers and timing marks are not painted. I would not blast the indicator because of the finish. A judge will notice the finish. It will be more satin rather than a stamped finish. The tranny pan is not painted at all and is a natural stamped finish.

Al Dieterle

[Terry M.]

Restorer story

I am always looking for technical articles. They can be sent via email to the address on the third page of The Restorer -- NOT the address linked to from this board. They can also be sent the old fashioned way -- snail mail to the street address in The Restorer. All text must be turned into electronic form, so if you send it in MSWord or WordPerfect that will work, but I can scan paper if necessary. Photos or electronic images work well. If electronic, the larger the file, the better the resolution. JPEGs will work, but Bitmap or TIFF is better.
I would put the email address here, but the automated address hunters will find it and send me huge amounts of spam, just like they have to the address that is posted on the contacts page.

[Michael B.]

77 Timing Cover (and other Paint)

No Problem Terry.

I'll put something together as soon as I have a chance. I'll try to get some meaningful shots of the thing. Electronic format is no problem. I just need a bit of time and I'll send it in then you can decide if it's worthy.

Cheers,

Michael B.

[Terry M.]

Re: 77 Timing Cover (and other Paint)

I know about needing time. If you figure out a way to buy some, let me know.