71 BB Valve Covers and Bolts

[Sheldon S.]

I have a 71 BB and I am just getting ready to paint engine, were the valve covers painted with all the bolts and spacers in place and then the bolts that hold the wire grounds replaced later with the spacers being left on and painted. I also understand the replacement bolts were zinc plated, is this correct? Also is the waterpump bypass hose completley painted or was it partially masked off?
Thanks
Sheldon sands

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 71 BB Valve Covers and Bolts

I have a 71 BB and I am just getting ready to paint engine, were the valve covers painted with all the bolts and spacers in place and then the bolts that hold the wire grounds replaced later with the spacers being left on and painted. I also understand the replacement bolts were zinc plated, is this correct? Also is the waterpump bypass hose completley painted or was it partially masked off?
Thanks
Sheldon sands

The engine was painted first and then then a longer bolt was used on the ones with the bunched ground wires and they were not painted engine color. I am not sure about the by pass hose. I have a '71 BB and wondered the same thing.

Ken

[John H.]

Re: 71 BB Valve Covers and Bolts

The bypass hose was in place when the engine was painted; although it was partially masked with a plastic shield, it should show some orange paint.