Distributor Overspray

[Eugene V.]

This photo is from an ad and the seller claimed the distributor was removed from a 1971 LS 5 car six months after delivery from the dealer. My question is: does this represent a typical factory overspray pattern or is it someone's careless rattle can touch up?

Thanks,

Gene Ventura




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[Wayne M.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Interesting question -- I think that on aluminum intake manifold engines, the "mist" from factory spraying of the iron block to the rear of the distributor would adhere to exposed parts of the distributor. Attached pic is of a 1964 T.I. distrib 1111060 4_C_30_(March 30th). Some even ended up on the magnet. Using the same thinking, the distrib would take a greater "hit" on cast iron intake manifolds, and this is the case on another distrib (1966 points big block, 1111109__5_G_7), where the aluminum band got it hard from about 330 a degree angle, corresponding to the paint coverage on the iron distrib body above the band.

Caveat : In scrap yards, I've seen shots of orange paint on engine components that were flagged for removal, to be sold separately.

[Mark D.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

When did they go from shipping distributors to application distributors?

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Eugene,
Since you tagged your post 1970-72 I will assUme your question relates to a Corvette of that era.

You should know that both Flint & Tonawanda engine plants installed the distributor AFTER the engine paint process during 1968-1972. Given that assembly process one would have to ask how that "overspray" got on the distributor at the engine plant.

[Ron G.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Terry's right. The distributor was installed after the engine was painted. Don't you think that maybe someone within the last 40 plus years either totally repainted the engine or just touched it up. That is what I am going with. My reply is not just based on observing Bowtie and Survivor Corvettes, but rather actual personal converations with assemblyline workers.

[Eugene V.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Terry,

Thanks for your reply.

There is no need to assUme anything. The tag is there because the post is in reference to the 70-72 era cars. Actually, I didn't know that the distributor was not installed until AFTER the painting process was complete. I was obviously confused by the photo in the original post. Additionally, I will admit to a wee bit of laziness in not wanting to spend the time to plow through the archives. Instead, I posted to the forum hoping for quick answer to a simple question. I am eternally grateful that you chose to illuminate me with a small portion of your vast store of superior knowledge.

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

In addition to the Tech Board Archives, I am pretty sure we described the engine painting process in the 1970-72 TIM&JG. Now as to how clear that wording is on this specific point I cannot tell you -- but you should consider that document as another source of information.

BTW: I am happy to help when and where I can. I do sometimes get a little salty when it appears to me the poster has not tried to do a little research of their own, but that was not my sense here.

In this case it didn't matter the engine we were talking about, but some assembly operations differed between Flint and Tonawanda so in some cases it is important to know the engine type under discussion. And in some cases the exact horsepower is significant due to items like the aluminum intake manifold as Wayne pointed out. My comment about assUmption was hinting at the sometimes need for more exacting data in order to supply the most on-target answer. Perhaps I was too subtle, so I am making this more direct. I only hope it doesn’t come across in a negative way, as that is not my intent.

[Mark D.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

I am eternally grateful that you chose to illuminate me with a small portion of your vast store of superior knowledge.

Lighten up, Francis

[Eugene V.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Ron ,
Thanks for your reply.

I did take into consideration that someone may have touched up the engine paint in that area. Below is the original question, please note the last sentence.

This photo is from an ad and the seller claimed the distributor was removed from a 1971 LS 5 car six months after delivery from the dealer. My question is: does this represent a typical factory overspray pattern or is it someone's careless rattle can touch up?

[Eugene V.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Terry,<br><br>Thanks again for your reply.<br><br>I did look through the TIM&amp;JG but I was looking in the wrong place. I was pressed for time yesterday and thought a simple question could be answered relatively effortlessly by someone with greater experience with this type of situation.&nbsp;<br><br>In the original question I stated that the distributor was from an 1971 LS 5. I honestly thought that was enough information to answer this question. I will be more thorough in the future.<br><br><br>

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Eugene,
That mention of 1971 LS5 would have been enough information had I taken the time to read it thoroughly. I will have to go back to school for reading comprehension. Sorry I missed that; my bad.

[Rich C.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

When did they go from shipping distributors to application distributors?

I don't get it...


1973 LS-4 454 coupe owned 24 years
1996 LT-4 Collector Edition coupe owned 13 months
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA-currently on tap!

[Ron G.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

Eugene,

Someone touched it up.

[Eugene V.]

Re: Distributor Overspray

No worries, it happens to us all.