Engine Painting - C1

[Mark P.]

Was the stud on the water pump for the generator adjusting bracket painted chevy orange ? I got a stud from Paragon and Corvette Central and they are both black oxide in color. Should it be cad plated ?

In a photo I think John Hinkley posted it showed passenger car engines being painted with the generator adjusting bracket installed. The brackets were painted chevy orange ? Were Corvette brackets installed after engine painting and therefore should be gloss black ?

[Christopher R.]

Re: Engine Painting - C1

When I did my engine last Fall, I researched the heck out of this. Now, of course, I'm an expert, but I forget why.

I believe my research showed that this stud was installed at Flint before the engine was painted. Therefore, this stud should be painted orange. But the brace was not installed. Therefore, it remains black. I believe John Hinckley posted a photo of these engines showing everything painted except the brace. The brace was simply placed on the mounting stud after painting to accept the generator at a later time. For that reason, I also believe the nut and washers were not painted.

There should be lots of info on this subject in the archives.

[John H.]

Re: Engine Painting - C1

Chris has it right. Notwithstanding the incorrect info in the 4th Edition '56-'57 JG (which is under revision), the installation of the generator brace was moved from Flint V-8 (where it was painted orange with the engine) to St. Louis in mid-1955 due to chronic shipping damage, at which point it was dip-primed semi-gloss black prior to attaching to the engine. The stud on the water pump ('58-up) was painted orange; The '56-'57 brace was installed under the head of an existing water pump bolt (see UPC 6, sheet 9.00 in the '57 A.I.M.).

[Steven B.]

Re: Engine Painting - C1

Was the '56-'57 brace the same on Corvettes and passenger V-8's? I assume the head of the existing water pump bolt was probably missing a little paint after the brace was installed.