Starter solenoid for '69 -- to paint or not to paint?

[Paul S.]

The 68-69 judging guide states that the "metal portion of the (starter) solenoid is zinc plated." However, from talking to other members and doing research on this forum, it seems to me that the solenoids in '69 were painted black like the rest of the starter.

So what to do? I am adding a new solenoid to my starter, and it is currently zinc plated, but I feel like it should be black. However, I would hate to lose points for this if the judges are going to go by what is in the judging guide.

Opinions on what to do? Am I right that the solenoids in '69 were painted black and that the judging guide is wrong on this?


Thanks,
Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: Starter solenoid for '69 -- to paint or not to paint?

The 68-69 judging guide states that the "metal portion of the (starter) solenoid is zinc plated." However, from talking to other members and doing research on this forum, it seems to me that the solenoids in '69 were painted black like the rest of the starter.

So what to do? I am adding a new solenoid to my starter, and it is currently zinc plated, but I feel like it should be black. However, I would hate to lose points for this if the judges are going to go by what is in the judging guide.

Opinions on what to do? Am I right that the solenoids in '69 were painted black and that the judging guide is wrong on this?


Thanks,
Paul

Paul------


I do not know if all 1969 starter solenoids were originally painted black. However, I do know that the original solenoid on my 1969 GM #1108338 starter was painted black. I also have another NOS GM #1108338 starter originally destined for PRODUCTION and manufactured in 1970 and it has a black-painted solenoid.

While, as I say, I don't know if all 1969 solenoids were painted black, I'm absolutely certain that at least one was painted black. And, if there was one, there could have been two. And, if there were two, there could have been three. And,.............

[Paul S.]

Re: Starter solenoid for '69 -- to paint or not to paint?

Paul------


I do not know if all 1969 starter solenoids were originally painted black. However, I do know that the original solenoid on my 1969 GM #1108338 starter was painted black. I also have another NOS GM #1108338 starter originally destined for PRODUCTION and manufactured in 1970 and it has a black-painted solenoid.

While, as I say, I don't know if all 1969 solenoids were painted black, I'm absolutely certain that at least one was painted black. And, if there was one, there could have been two. And, if there were two, there could have been three. And,.............

Thanks, Joe -- as always, I appreciate your input!

[Edward J.]

Re: Starter solenoid for '69 -- to paint or not to paint?

Paul while the judging guides are not always correct, I would say that black is a safe bet. Unless you have owned the car since new and have documented it, go with painting. I am sure there have been cases of unpainted starter motors/solenoids on some C3 cars over the years.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Starter solenoid for '69 -- to paint or not to paint?

I am sure there have been cases of unpainted starter motors/solenoids on some C3 cars over the years.

Yep, some 72 small blocks for sure. I believe we put that in the new JG version.