Timing Tab paint 1972 350

[Guy B.]

Question, the judging manual states that "Regardless of the year, the portion of the timing tab with the adjustment marks on it is supposed to be unpainted" I can't seem to find any details of where that paint line should be? I can not see GM masking that off? I was under the impression that the entire tab was painted Chevy orange as the tab was installed when painted? Anyone have a clue?

[Terry M.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

Question, the judging manual states that "Regardless of the year, the portion of the timing tab with the adjustment marks on it is supposed to be unpainted" I can't seem to find any details of where that paint line should be? I can not see GM masking that off? I was under the impression that the entire tab was painted Chevy orange as the tab was installed when painted? Anyone have a clue?

Your vision is a little out of focus. Perhaps I can make it clearer: The timing tab was usually masked, probably using a piece of common masking tape. We have seen a few examples where the masking tape apparently either was not installed or it blew off during the paint operation, in which case we see evidence that the tab was wiped while the paint was still wet.

[Guy B.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

so what you are sayiog is I should mask the top part wide part only right through the circle?

[Anthony F.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

Hello Guy,

Here is a picture of the timing tab on my 72 LT-1. I've been doing valve adjustments for the last 45 years on this, and can confirm (at least on mine) that the adjustment marks were taped off, while the portion that bolts to the block was apparently painted along with the engine.

[Guy B.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

Ahhh! now I got it ok that makes more sense

[Terry M.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

so what you are sayiog is I should mask the top part wide part only right through the circle?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Timing Tab paint 1972 350

There are some excellent pictures of this in the new 5th Edition Judging Guide.
If you don't already own one, I would recommend getting one as it will tell you more about your car than any other book out there.