56 Engine color code

[Kerry A.]

I am restoring a 56 from the ground up and we are prepared to paint the block. The block color for 1956 was a one year only red. (It was brought to my attention through a reply the 55 engine was red as well) I have unsuccessfully searched for a color code and the NCRS Judging Guide only refers to the engine color as "red". Does anyone have any input on the correct color and/or code for the 56 engine? Thanks.

[Roy B.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

My opinion 55 was red also , but anyway tractor red like the ford tractor red of the 50's is so close and the best I've seen used .Most people don't know much about a early 56 anyway!

[Chuck W.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

Bill Hirsch has '56 Chevrolet Red paint.

[Garry B.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

Kerry,
As Chuck said, Bill Hirsch has the correct red for your '56. I used it on mine and no issues. Just google them and you will find it.
Garry
18531

[Chuck P.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

From my experience, Bill Hirsch 56 red is too "pink", however it seems to be what everyone is using. Tractor red matches original color much more closely.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

Tractor Red? I recall it more like Barn Red. Recall the passenger car engine the same red with white or silver color on the valve cover script.

Stu Fox

[Bernard M.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

I used Seymour Paint's GM Red engine enamel. CC used to sell it - they still might but I thought they were too pricey at $24 for a rattle can. I emailed the factory (in Illinois), they sent me the name of the nearest distributor (Kansas City) from whom I got the name of a local retailer (St. Louis). They didn't carry the color so I had to order and purchase a carton (6 cans) at a total cost, including shipping, of $29. That was a couple of years ago and I now have lots of red items around the garage besides my engine block.

[Troy P.]

Re: 56 Engine color code

Check web sites for 55-57 Chevy parts dealers. They will all have it. Cheaper than buying the same paint from a Vette parts dealer.

I used to restore those cars 20 years ago. I almost want to say the 55's were orange and '56 was the only red year..but that was a long time ago. Seems to me the Chevrolet script on the '55 valve covers was a different color than that on the '56 covers too. '55 black and '56 silver?