'64 L76 manifold/ head mating surface silver paint

[Scott Butville]

When the head/manifold mating surface was sprayed silver, were the bolts masked? The TIM&JG says they can either be painted silver or be black phos with an aluminum manifold? Seems like it should be one or the other unless there was a change in process during the year. The TIM&JG says in one place that there can be slight silver overspray on the manifold in in another place, that as much as the entire manifold can be painted. I would appreciate comments on this apparent contradiction. Is it correct that the throttle return spring bracket and ignition shielding brackets must not have been installed with the manifold but at St. Louis in order for them not to have overspray?

[John H.]

Re: '64 L76 manifold/ head mating surface silver p

Scott -

The throttle return spring bracket was installed at Flint Engine and was in place when the engine was painted, and the ignition shield brackets were installed at St. Louis.

[Scott Butville]

Re: '64 L76 manifold/ head mating surface silver p

Thanks John. One would conclude then that if the TIM&JG is correct in not mentioning overspray on the spring bracket, the mask must have covered it and it would seem unlikely that the bolts could be silver. Any thoughts on the rest of the bolts?

[Michael H.]

Re: '64 L76 manifold/ head mating surface silver p

Scott,

When the cyl head/manifold surface was sprayed silver, there was a substantial amount of silver overspray that generally covered not only the bolt heads but much of the intake manifold and also the valve cover. The pressure and volume of the spray was so intense that, occasionally, the tops and end of the exhaust manifold showed light amounts of silver. The w/pump by-pass hose would generally have at least some silver at the end that connects to the intake manifold. I think the only way part of an intake bolt could be unpainted is if the angle of spray was from one end of the engine and the back sides of some bolts would not be hit with spray.

This silver coating was not at all durable and even mineral spirits would remove much of it. That's why it's generally not present on these cars a few years after they're delivered new.

Michael