1963 FI engine questions

[David E.]

1. What is the best readily available engine paint that matches the correct orange?

2. What letter should be on the head bolts for this engine?

Thanks!!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 FI engine questions

David------

1) Generally, I recommend Quanta's engine paint. However, 62-65 small blocks were usually painted with a "Chevrolet Orange" that had a lot more red in it than earlier or later versions of that color. For 1963, I think that I'd recommend using the Bowman brand (I think this is available from Paragon) or the Aervoe brand (Orchard Supply Hardware stores here on th west coast carry it). The old Krylon Chevrolet orange was excellent, too, but I don't think they make it anymore;

2) All Chevrolet small block head bolts of the period (and, much later, too) had the "large raised perimeter circle" headmarking. During the 63 period, the manufacturer's ID marking was often a "C" or an "M". However, others may have been used, too.