'65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

[James W.]

In the current 1965 NCRS TGJM it states that both the air cleaner base and lid for a 396 engine are both painted "gloss" black. I was under the impression from all the pictures I've taken and seen in person that the lids were more of a semi-gloss black??? The base I guess could or should be glossy. My interpretation of gloss black is bieing able to see yourself clearly in refelction off the painted surface, close to mirror like?

Anyone care to comment?

I am ready to paint both items and want to get then right so I hopefully won't take any deductions on th judging field.


Thanks,

James West

[Keith B.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

Jim,

I tried to paint a 396 lid and found it to be really difficult. I used gloss paint. I had an orignal black lid from my then 65 396 and had a friend that was restoring another 396. I could match the paint with black laquer but I could not get the lid to look right when photographed. It look gray when a flash was used. I would not make it look like a mirror but they were reflective. Enough to recognize your face in the the paint but with little detail. I painted it on a stick (it looked like a drum cymbal) and feathered 3/4 of the back to reflect the real look. Richard Fortier has the absolute right silk screen. He took it off of my original.

[James W.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

Keith,

Would you say the air cleaner base and the lid both have the same level of gloss black sheen?


Thanks,

James West

Jim,

I tried to paint a 396 lid and found it to be really difficult. I used gloss paint. I had an orignal black lid from my then 65 396 and had a friend that was restoring another 396. I could match the paint with black laquer but I could not get the lid to look right when photographed. It look gray when a flash was used. I would not make it look like a mirror but they were reflective. Enough to recognize your face in the the paint but with little detail. I painted it on a stick (it looked like a drum cymbal) and feathered 3/4 of the back to reflect the real look. Richard Fortier has the absolute right silk screen. He took it off of my original.

[Keith B.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

Yes they are very similar. Not sure if they were both manufactured in the same factory therefore the paint could be different. I have good pictures of originals if you need them.

[James W.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

Keith,

Send them to the email address I just sent you and thanks for your help.


Happy Holidays!

James West

Yes they are very similar. Not sure if they were both manufactured in the same factory therefore the paint could be different. I have good pictures of originals if you need them.

[William M.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

Here is a picture of the engine from the first regular production "396" Corvette that was special ordered for Corvette racer Cliff Gottlob and was built on March 19,1965.
Bill Mock #93396_engine.jpg

[Keith B.]

Re: '65 396 Air Cleaner Lid and Base... Correct Gloss???

James,
Did not get an email from you