1967 SB Starter Finish

[Phillip M.]

Should the small block starter (aluminum "nose", steel housing), be completely black finish, or black housing with natural aluminum nose? Could not find a definitive answer in the archives, and the 7th edition of the TIMJG is vague for the small block. It is noted that the big block starter with the iron nose is completely black. The photo in the judging guide shows a completely black unit, but does not indicate if it is BB or SB.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

Nose is natural aluminum on a SB.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

Should the small block starter (aluminum "nose", steel housing), be completely black finish, or black housing with natural aluminum nose? Could not find a definitive answer in the archives, and the 7th edition of the TIMJG is vague for the small block. It is noted that the big block starter with the iron nose is completely black. The photo in the judging guide shows a completely black unit, but does not indicate if it is BB or SB.

Phillip------


Let me answer this way: every legitimate NOS starter motor (i.e. those in an original Delco-Remy box with the same part number on the box as the part number stamped on the starter frame) has had a PAINTED starter nose, be that nose cast iron or aluminum. This includes some NOS starter motors of the original part numbers used on Corvettes. I can see absolutely no reason why SERVICE starter motors would have been painted differently than original PRODUCTION starter motors. I believe it was Delco-Remy practice to paint the starter motors as a completely assembled unit. Usually, they tried to avoid the area of the nose which interfaces with or is within the bellhousing or the area which interfaces with the block. However, paint is often seen on some of these areas.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

Phillip------


Let me answer this way: every legitimate NOS starter motor (i.e. those in an original Delco-Remy box with the same part number on the box as the part number stamped on the starter frame) has had a PAINTED starter nose, be that nose cast iron or aluminum. This includes some NOS starter motors of the original part numbers used on Corvettes. I can see absolutely no reason why SERVICE starter motors would have been painted differently than original PRODUCTION starter motors. I believe it was Delco-Remy practice to paint the starter motors as a completely assembled unit. Usually, they tried to avoid the area of the nose which interfaces with or is within the bellhousing or the area which interfaces with the block. However, paint is often seen on some of these areas.

One reason for different finish on SERVICE parts than PRODUCTION parts is the desire to prevent corrosion or other cosmetic flaws on SERVICE parts. PRODUCTION parts were generally installed rapidly enough that corrosion and cosmetic flaws were not an issue. No one on the production line much cared about cosmetic flaws other than final paint and chrome, and we could argue about final paint flaws.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

One reason for different finish on SERVICE parts than PRODUCTION parts is the desire to prevent corrosion or other cosmetic flaws on SERVICE parts. PRODUCTION parts were generally installed rapidly enough that corrosion and cosmetic flaws were not an issue. No one on the production line much cared about cosmetic flaws other than final paint and chrome, and we could argue about final paint flaws.

Terry------


Yes, that can be true sometimes. However, I don't see that being the case for starters. If there was not to be a concern for corrosion for PRODUCTION parts, then why paint ANY of the starter for PRODUCTION starters? Why paint the frame but not the nose?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

Could it be that service part runs were hung and painted and production starters were sat with the nose down where they received no paint.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1967 SB Starter Finish

More interesting then are those that were installed on the production line completely unpainted.