Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

[Larry E.]

Question is for the 68 L36 but probably would apply to all Chevy Engines. We know that the
water pump was attached and both the bolts and pump where painted(Chevy Orange) at the engine plants.
On engines with options that required a combination bolt/stud type fastener to secure the pump to
the block is the area of my question. Was the regular bolt pulled and the special combination type installed
at St.Louis? Was it painted Chevy orange or left bare? Or was this done at the engine plant. If painted
Chevy orange was the threads also painted. Ok-Thanks in advance--Larry

[Michael J.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

Well, I am not sure, but this is my newly restored '66 L36, and this is how my restorer says it should be:

[Terry M.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

Question is for the 68 L36 but probably would apply to all Chevy Engines. We know that the
water pump was attached and both the bolts and pump where painted(Chevy Orange) at the engine plants.
On engines with options that required a combination bolt/stud type fastener to secure the pump to
the block is the area of my question. Was the regular bolt pulled and the special combination type installed
at St.Louis? Was it painted Chevy orange or left bare? Or was this done at the engine plant. If painted
Chevy orange was the threads also painted. Ok-Thanks in advance--Larry

When I toured Tonawanda (in the early 1980s) the stud was installed with a paper tube over the protruding threads. So the hex of the stud was painted, but the threads were not. I can't remember if the tube had a bottom or not; so I can't tell you if the front of the threaded portion had paint on it or not. I was told that this was the way they had done it "forever," so you can take that for what it is worth.

[Alan D.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ater+pump+bolt

[Michael J.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

When I toured Tonawanda (in the early 1980s) the stud was installed with a paper tube over the protruding threads. So the hex of the stud was painted, but the threads were not. I can't remember if the tube had a bottom or not; so I can't tell you if the front of the threaded portion had paint on it or not. I was told that this was the way they had done it "forever," so you can take that for what it is worth.

Uh oh, guess I need to get my wire brush out and clean off those threads but leave the top painted........back to the garage........

[Ron G.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

I believe Terry is correct. Also, from observation and research with Tonawanda and Flint Engine assembly plants that most if not all engine hardware before engine paint was applied was plated Black Oxide. Look for orange paint on portions of the thread of the stud that back oxide may still be visible.

[Marco H.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

Typically, any bolt that is replaced during installation of an accessory, is specified in the AIM with a part number (indicating that the bolt is new). Otherwise it will say 'existing bolt' (which means reinstalled after removal.) The reinstalled bolts would show tool marks on painted finishes.

[Glenn B.]

Re: Question for our Chevy Engine Paint experts

To be overly critcal.... I understand the black phosphate clip on the PCV hose was also installed in Tonawanda and painted with the engine