'82 Engine Color

[Mark P.]

My son in law has an 82 non-collector edition that needs a new water pump. The old pump is rusty (an obvious previous replacement) and I'd like to help him restore his engine compartment back to original. The engine is blue...is that original color? If so, should the new water pump be painted that color, too? I would imagine it was painted originally like my C2. Also where could I get the blue paint if that's original.

Thanks for the help,
Mark

[Arland D.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Mark, the 82's did have blue engines including the water pump until about serial #21000 and then they were black. The number is not precise so there could be examples of each color sometime before or after that number. The blue was part # 465820 and the black was part # 14057028. Arland

[Mark P.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Thanks for the response. Do you know where to get the blue paint now? I looked at Paragon and they don't have it.

Mark

[Terry M.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Some Chevrolet dealers sell it in rattle cans, but you may have to call around to find one that stocks it -- otherwise the minimum order might be a case.
Also check at FLAPS (Friendly Neighborhood Auto Parts Store) -- unless spray paint is outlawed in your 'hood. I have no idea how true any of these paints will be to the original color -- best to test first.
Remember when painting engine parts -- Less is best.

[KEN BUTCHER]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Hi Mark, remember this about water-pumps. They have an oil-type coating on them, so you should wash them first then dry, and then paint awayyyyyy.
Ken.

[Joe L.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Mark-----

The GM part number for the blue engine enamel is GM #12346300. However, unless you find a dealer that stocks it, you will have to purchase a case of 6 as Terry mentioned.

You can also find this paint in most auto parts stores, although not GM-branded. It will be identified as "GM Corporate Blue Engine Enamel", "Chevrolet Blue Engine Enamel", or some similar description. Understand, though, that NO paint, regardless of where you get it and of whatever brand, is going to exactly match the paint currently on the engine. For one thing, the paint on the engine has been subject to 25 years of aging and deterioration due to heat.

[Terry M.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Water pumps were painted while on the engine, so the back side (facing the timing set cover) and the bottom of the pump will have little or no paint. Should you chose to use an RTV sealant on the gaskets be aware that the factory didn't use that, and it does not paint very well. All these, as well as the color and quantity of paint are tells of your work.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

I suppose that if ones wants a typical factory style paint job, to paint it like it is not yours and could care less.

[Mark P.]

Re: '82 Engine Color

Great advice from everyone. Thanks for the pointers...I know there will be issues with trying to match the paint. I'll just have to do the front of the engine now while I'm painting the pump and try to mask off the other portions later when I do the rest of the engine. It's a bugger to try to do this kind of work while the engine is in the car, but that's all we can do for now.

Thanks again so much,
Mark