Underhood painting - C3 '75

[Al Lucero]

Hello.....

I'm detailing my engine area on my '75 and have a few questions about painting. Was the back side of the hood, where the insulation goes, painted a semi-gloss black? Also, was this color used to paint the cowl area where the wipers are and the top part of the firewall/cowl?

I have seen a few pictures of detailed engine compartments and they show the top runner of the firewall/cowl to be painted black.

Thanks for your help!

Al

[KEN BUTCHER]

Re: Underhood painting - C3 '75

Hi Al,
If I'm not mistaken, it's flat black not semi-gloss.

[Al Lucero]

Re: Underhood painting - C3 '75

Thanks Ken. And that's for the hood, firewall, and cowl right?

Al

[KEN BUTCHER]

true *NM*

[Tom R.]

Re: Underhood painting - C3 '75

Al,

The blackout process was the final paint process before the body moved to a baking oven (reflow oven). A number of masks were used to protect recently painted body areas and so we see that the backside of the hood was painted along with hinges but the hood support was yet to be installed and therefore the plated finish. The vertical sides of the firewall along with the inner fender panels and the backside of the fenders received paint. Harness clips were installed so if you look carefully and rotate, you'll see bare areas under the clips.

The mask sat in the hood gutter so you see a break just before the cowl area...but not very precise. Also the leading edge of the doors were blacked out to transition to the black weatherstripping. The windshield wiper trough also got shot as well along with (in 75) fender coves front and rear wheel housings and the underneath side of the t-tops.

The color as mentioned...flat black. Restorers have their favorites but John Deere makes a nice flat black called Blitz Black. So a search and you'll find other options.

[Al Lucero]

Re: Underhood painting - C3 '75

Perfect Tom! Thanks for the help. I'm on my way.

Regards,
Al