What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

[Terry M.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Thanks Terry. Just to clarify, Joe posted that the heater hose nipple was NOT painted. Guessing maybe there was some variation in this. If painting it is an option I will go with that since then I won't have to worry about what the unpainted finish is. I'll also take your advice and search the forum archives for pics of original paint.

Mike

Mike,
Joe Lucia is the original owner of a 1969 Small Block, built in October 1969 IIRC. His would be a good example, and if his statement is based on that car, it will be better than all the research in the AIMs -- at least for later 1969. If your car is at the other end of 1969 production it could have been different. If there is any evidence from your car that would trump everything else.

Check the 1969 AIM. I believe you will find that the heater hose water pump nipple came in as part of the engine assembly, and thus might have been painted with the engine. On the chance you find a part number called out for that nipple, it was then added at St Louis and would be unpainted.

I remember doing some investigation of 1970-1972 AIMS for another thread on this board in which beginning in 1971 we found the nipple was different for C60 v non-C60 and thus was installed at St Louis and unpainted. In 1970 (and I assUme earlier) the nipple was installed at the engine plant.

[Michael L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

In doing my research it appears to me that possibly both the lower right and upper left bolts on AC cars were studs to mount brackets, the lower drivers side for the alt and the upper pass for the A/C. Is this correct? Or were they all just bolts?

[Joe L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

In doing my research it appears to me that possibly both the lower right and upper left bolts on AC cars were studs to mount brackets, the lower drivers side for the alt and the upper pass for the A/C. Is this correct? Or were they all just bolts?

Mike------


According to the AIM, they were hex bolts.

[Dan D.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Sounds reasonable Joe. I also noticed that there were stove-bolt sixes there also. Great photo, and makes sense that Tonawanda would have supplied the engines to Tarreytown.

-Dan-

[Ralph S.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

1973 April base motor W/AC paint on heater hose nipple

[Ralph S.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Another angle,,, more than the threads were painted

[Joe L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Mike,
Joe Lucia is the original owner of a 1969 Small Block, built in October 1969 IIRC. His would be a good example, and if his statement is based on that car, it will be better than all the research in the AIMs -- at least for later 1969. If your car is at the other end of 1969 production it could have been different. If there is any evidence from your car that would trump everything else.

Check the 1969 AIM. I believe you will find that the heater hose water pump nipple came in as part of the engine assembly, and thus might have been painted with the engine. On the chance you find a part number called out for that nipple, it was then added at St Louis and would be unpainted.

I remember doing some investigation of 1970-1972 AIMS for another thread on this board in which beginning in 1971 we found the nipple was different for C60 v non-C60 and thus was installed at St Louis and unpainted. In 1970 (and I assUme earlier) the nipple was installed at the engine plant.

Terry-------

For 1969, the water pump heater hose nipple for small block cars without C-60 was installed at St. Louis according to the AIM and, thus, would not be painted in any way. That's 100% consistent with the way my car was delivered. For small blocks cars with C-60, the nipple was installed at Flint and, thus, most likely did receive some paint.

One curious thing, though: the AIM indicates that the nipple for non C-60 small blocks was GM #3849848 as I've pictured above. However, my car was not originally equipped with the 3849848. Instead, it was fitted with the GM #3736495 which is the "long hex", 2-3/4" OL nipple.

[Michael L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Ok I'm bolting things to the engine now and have a question. I understand the lower AIR bracket and alt bracket were the only things on the engine when painted and so they are orange. Im mounting my lower alt brkt and realize that only the water bolt could have been installed when painted since the other bolts attach to the exhaust manifold. Also, there are three bkts in total on that wp bolt, the upper and lower alt bkts, and the AIR pump adj bkt. I'm guessing the engine was painted with only the lower alt bkt in place and then the bolt was later removed and the other two bkts were added. Correct? This would mean only the wp bolt holding the lower alt bkt would be orange with the other two added later (when the exhaust manifolds were on) so they would be unpainted. Does this sound correct? Realize this is tedious and I really appreciate everyone's patience and assistance.

Mike

[Michael L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Ok I'm bolting things to the engine now and have a question. I understand the lower AIR bracket and alt bracket were the only things on the engine when painted and so they are orange. Im mounting my lower alt brkt and realize that only the water bolt could have been installed when painted since the other bolts attach to the exhaust manifold. Also, there are three bkts in total on that wp bolt, the upper and lower alt bkts, and the AIR pump adj bkt. I'm guessing the engine was painted with only the lower alt bkt in place and then the bolt was later removed and the other two bkts were added. Correct? This would mean only the wp bolt holding the lower alt bkt would be orange with the other two added later (when the exhaust manifolds were on) so they would be unpainted. Does this sound correct? Realize this is tedious and I really appreciate everyone's patience and assistance.

Mike

[Edward M.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

I agree with Dan, these are 57 passenger car engines. Ram horn manifolds were used on 1956 Corvette and 2x4 passenger car engines. The 2 bbl engines had the log style manifolds. Also the distributor is a 57 passenger car style. 56 used the larger style that was used on Corvettes. The painted script would also indicate no later than 1957, although I think that part may be a "publicity" addition.

Looks like they also have the powerglide adapter on the back of the engine.

[Michael L.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Mike
In 1969 AIR pump bracket was on the engine at time of painting.
Supposedly the aluminum rocker covers were installed after paint. A set of "travel covers" were installed for paint and removed and replaced by aluminum rocker covers after paint. That said, we have seen engines with rockers and valve springs painted orange indicating that no covers were on the head when the engine was painted. Since we can't see the rockers and springs during judging, I do not recommend you follow this factory practice.
For 1969 the heater hose nipple was installed in the water pump before paint, so it will be orange -- just like Joe said.
A mask (probably formed cardboard) was placed into the spark plug holes and another into the holes for the engine mounts. There were connections between each spark plug hole and each engine mount hole which left shadows in the engine paint. " picture of a 1972 LT1 head has been posted here showing the shadows from the spark plug mask and from the masking of the exhaust ports. The exhaust manifolds were installed after paint.
Put a piece of tape over the engine stamp pad.
Above all the original paint was applied in a rush and sparingly. There is almost always a deduction to be made for too much paint on "restored" engines. I have seen some engines with enough paint for five original engines.
The engine suffix code was in grease pencil (lumber crayon) on each side of the cylinder case upside down. Put it on before the paint.
There are lots of pictures on this board of original paint on engines. The search function, if you have the patience for it, will yield you a plethora of results.

Terry,

When you say the engine suffix code do you mean the broadcast code i.e. HZ, HY, HX, etc? Can you tell me about where on the cylinder case this was written? Right in the middle? I'm guessing this was done while the engine was being assembled on a stand which is why it is upside down.

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Terry,

When you say the engine suffix code do you mean the broadcast code i.e. HZ, HY, HX, etc? Can you tell me about where on the cylinder case this was written? Right in the middle? I'm guessing this was done while the engine was being assembled on a stand which is why it is upside down.

Mike

Yes suffix code = broadcast code in this context.

It was writ large on each side where there is a flat surface. And you are correct in that it was placed on the side of the case right after the case was cleaned, and while the case was upside down on the assembly line. The assembly of the case camshaft, crank shaft, pistons and connecting rods, timing chain and gear set, timing cover and harmonic damper, and oil pump and oil pan was all done with the case up side down. The engine was not turned up right until the heads were to be installed.

[Gene M.]

Re: What was on the engine when painted at the factory?

Ok sorry it is a black 69 coupe 350/350 with AC and PS. With that info, can anyone tell me whether or not the AIR pump bracket, which apparently was painted orange prior to being installed, was a different shade from the motor? Thanks Joe was not aware the HD was painted orange with the engine that's good to know. If the WP nipple isn't painted what's the finish? I've had mine clear zinc played already but if it was natural I can strip that.

Also, any overspray on the valvecovers? Seems likely, at least a little. Thanks.

Mike

Partial correct. Clear zinc implies a chromate treatment. No chromate secondary finish was used only zinc. Appears similar to clear zinc chromate but has lower shine.