66 SB exhaust manifold paint

[Scott G.]

I know the judging manual says the SB exhaust manifolds were installed post engine painting during the 66 model year. However, there have been some opinions on this board that this is incorrect. I know that the JM is not the final statement as to what is correct and what is not. Does anyone know if there is any discussion to revise the manual? How are exhaust manifolds currently being judged?

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 SB exhaust manifold paint

Scott,

At this point, there is no documentation that proves the presence, or lack of, paint on the small block exhaust manifolds for the 1966 model year. I strongly suspect that at least the first part of the run may have had painted manifolds but without proof, it's probably best to conform to the manual and go with a natural finish.

Michael

[Kent K.]

Re: 66 SB exhaust manifold paint

Scott, Michael, et al ----

I made a severe mistake on a previous post regarding '67 exhaust manifolds being painted on small block cars. Boy, I was wrong!!! At least for '67, small block cars, exhaust manifolds were attached to engines following paint and should have no overspray. Large block exhaust manifolds were secured to the blocks prior to painting and were "shielded" from being painted . . . they generally should show some overspray of engine paint.

I feel better.
Kent #6201

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 SB exhaust manifold paint

Kent,

You are correct. For the 67 model year, I believe the exhaust manifolds were added after engine paint.

Well, yer almost correct. That thing about a shield being placed over big block manifolds isn't the way it worked. The were painted. Blasted quite heavily in fact, with no shield at all. I still vividly remember all the new big blocks in the mid/late 60's with a heavy coat of orange on the entire front, rear and outer portion of the manifolds.

Michael

[Gary B.]

'66 SB exhaust manifold paint; revising the TIM&JG

Scott,

On something like this where there are different opinions and no definitive paperwork to prove that '66 SB manifolds were painted, the chances of the TIM&JG being revised are, in my opinion, nil. If you don't want to lose judging points, it's simply best not to have any paint on your '66 SB exhaust manifolds and to save you breath for arguing with the judges about something where you have a chance of winning. Remember, there are lots of judges out there who are not privy to the debates seen on the NCRS DB and those judges will, for the most part, judge according to what they read in the TIM&JG. I believe that one needs to pick ones's battles, and I think the paint on the '66 SB manifolds battle, is a battle that one cannot win with the vast majority of judges. And remember, you really need to convince two judges at the same time.

Gary

[William C.]

Re: '66 SB exhaust manifold paint; revising the TI

I would expect a close look at a few "bowtie" cars should give the answer. The paint in the area of the alternator mount can usually bee seen for many years, at least in the 63-65 cars.