'57 Engine Block Paint Marks

[Steven B.]

My original '57 245 HP EH block has various paint markings on it including; On the passenger side from back to front is an EH at 90 degrees to the deck, then on the block is a wide mark about 1" below the cylinder deck pointing downward and ending in a point about 1" above the block pet cock. About 3/4" to the front of that is an 0 or triangle with eliptical sides, about 2" before the front drain plug.

On the driver side of the block above the pet cock about 1" is another wide mark that extends up to with in about 1" of the cylinder deck. It appears under this is possibly an EH or bold J. The wide mark was painted over the EH or J.

On the front driver side of the block, near the water pump leg opening, is a white spash 1" wide with the top corner touching the deck.

Were the original paint marks on the blocks white paint or yellow? I believe white but after all these years it is hard to be certain.

Also, I assume the EH is for the 245 engine, but what do the other marks represent?

Unfortunatley my scanner isn't working or I would include pics.

Thanks!

Steve

[James G.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

Barry Holmes 57 fuel car had yellow and white paint mark. The EL was in yellow paint. Both sides are featured.

[Steven B.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

Thanks! 'Alot like mine. My long "lines or spears" are much like his except the end pointing down is pointed, much like an ear of corn. Probably due to the brush or style of the person painting the markings. I also have what looks very much like white and yellow.

My engine is a November, 56. Do you know his month and year?

Thanks again!

Steve

[Steven B.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

Barry Holmes 57 fuel car had yellow and white paint mark. The EL was in yellow paint. Both sides are featured.

'Any idea what the long white mark and WE and something in a circle mean?

[Joseph T.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Petcock installation

'Any idea what the long white mark and WE and something in a circle mean?

Did all 57 blocks have a petcock installed on the drivers side?

Joe

[James G.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

Original 3731548 block cast C187, stamped F327EL. vin number 32xx series.

[James G.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

I think not Joe. A person who really cares for his car probably installed. This car is a certified three owner car and spent its whole life in Pittsburg, PA. It is still there with its new 4th owner last March.

[Barry H.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

Jim & Joe, & Steve,
My 57 FI car with 46,000 miles had a 1/4 " pipe plug with a 9/16" hex head & a raised "L" marking, on both sides of the block water jacket.
I also think the "we" you asked about was really "wed" in chalk, the last part was under the heavy daubs of white & yellow paint that ran. Also most of these marks were under the "chevy orange paint" that was lightly applied at the Flint Engine plant.
Barry Hlomes #940

[Mike M.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

agree with barry. never seen a 548 block with petcocks, just the pipe plugs. mike

[Steven B.]

Re: '57 Engine Block Paint Marks

The pet cocks were installed in the mid 60's during a "flushing".