opinions on my engine paint

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm wondering what your opinions are about my paint job for my engine. Its a 69 350/350 and I really tried to take to heart all the posts on here that described how skimpy the paint was applied from the factory. I'm just wondering if I went a little overboard on limiting the amount of paint I applied and if I should add a little more. I tried to imagine what it was like in the factory and how much paint could really be applied in the approx 15 seconds that was allotted for painting each engine, and this is what I came up with. Basically, anyplace that wasn't easily reached by someone quickly applying a coat of paint was left bare. I really had to resist the temptation to paint virtually everything. Appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

[Edward B.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

I always paint them a little more simply because I don't like rust, but your interpretation is well within limits considering all the variables that impacted the engine painting process. If you like it, that's the way it should be.

[David W.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Typically you would find fuller coverage with the gun. IMHO it looks to intentional and not from a lack of time or access. Albeit a light coat at least full coverage may be a better option. It will age accordingly as well after a couple of heat cycles.

[Steve B.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

I agree with David, I have seen many original cars with more paint on the bottom of the pan than this. I am sure that there was variation since these were mass produced. At the end of the day, it's your car and you should do what makes you happy.

[Michael L.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Well what would make me happiest is no point deductions! I will confess that rust won't be an issue because I painted the pan with stamped steel paint (eastwood detail gray) and the engine with cast blast so it won't rust. I don't like rust either. Hope no judges are reading this! Think I will add some paint though.

[Edward J.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Mike, another factor to keep in mind is back the 60/s70's the paint had lead and tended to cover more easily with less coats, today no lead paint spreads thinner and requires more coats. I myself have seen a few original engines and missing paint or low coverage area's are the back of water pump, back of oil pan, timing cover behind pump, cylinder heads at spark plug areas. you look like your on the right track. No two engines were ever sprayed the same with the same coverage.

[Patrick H.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

I would add more so that it is orange everywhere except the bottom of the lowest portion of the oil pan. Also note that if a 4 speed, the inspection cover and bellhousing will have orange paint too.

Right now it just looks like the job is 3/4 done, not like an original engine with incomplete coverage.

[Michael L.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Thanks Ed. I did make a mask to replicate the masks that I've been told were used in the factory to cover the exhaust, spark plug holes, and engine mount area. See attached pics. Think I will add a little more paint to some areas as I mentioned.

Mike

[Joe R.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Question, how do you think your block could be painted under the exhaust manifolds and no paint on the exhaust manifolds themselves?

JR

[Michael L.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

SB engines were painted with the exhaust manifolds off.

[Edward J.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Question, how do you think your block could be painted under the exhaust manifolds and no paint on the exhaust manifolds themselves?

JR

Joe, this is a C-3, no manifolds on.

[Keith B.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint



Here are two examples of very low mile unrestored cars. The first is from a 9k 67 big block and the second is from an 18k 65 big block. There is complete coverage on the oil pan. I challange for anyone to show me two cars that are originals that weren't painted. Noland Adams has under car pictures of mid year corvettes and they all have full coverage. This was discussed on the board how the engines were hung on a chair and sprayed. There are pictures of this occurring. In addition, the complete bell housing was painted (again pictures of motors have been presented on the board). I understand your car is a small block and I will tell you I have never seen an oil pan not fully painted except on restored cars as of recent. I would mark deductions on incomplete paint on the motor.

[Keith B.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Hung by a chain

[John C.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Mike

I think your being way to skimpy on the paint. Yes the line moved quickly, but you have to remember they where using equipment that had a wide spray pattern and really threw the paint.

I've attached some pictures of my 68's balancer with it's original paint. The front and sides are well covered except for a small area under the water pump and at very bottom. The area at the bottom has major over-spay running down onto it. Even the back side received quite a bit of indirect over-spay except for the part directly below the water pump. My car is a BB but I have to think SB coverage was similar.

John

[Joe L.]

Re: opinions on my engine paint

Mike------


I have never seen an original engine with the lack of paint on the bottom of the oil pan such as you have done here. I won't say it could not have occurred but I would say it was the exception and not the rule. Unless I absolutely KNEW that the original paint on my engine was such, I would always assume that the engine was more-or-less completely painted. Lack of paint on the rear of the pan and bellhousing cover behind the pan was more common.