396 finishes

[Mike M.]

getting ready to install the intake. it appears it had some chevy engine orange overspray while the cast iron outlet has some dull aluminum finish. what's the current thoughts on the finishes of the intake, outlet and exposed surface of the heads at the intake. thanks,mike

[Bill W.]

Re: 396 finishes

I have found on my original (16120) the intake is natural aluminum (no silver paint) light orange overspray at the bolt area with a little orange fog on the upper runners . No bare metal showing on the head (all orange) , silver painted thermostat housing with a natural aluminum spacer & all fittings unpainted . Also my engine had the thick washer head recessed FP bolts on the intake .I have seen thin washer heads on 66 intakes . (I think silver paint was only used to correct very sloppy orange overspray on the intakes . MY opinion .)

[Tracy C.]

Re: 396 finishes

getting ready to install the intake. it appears it had some chevy engine orange overspray while the cast iron outlet has some dull aluminum finish. what's the current thoughts on the finishes of the intake, outlet and exposed surface of the heads at the intake. thanks,mike

Mikey,

I've always subscribed to the idea that the east coast 65 396s used muliple coats of Ford Blue not only on the intakes, but just about the whole engine. If those pesky mechanical judges try to deduct, tell them to bug off and hand the score sheets over to yourself.

Another year almost behind us....

Merry Christmas anyway,
tc

[Mike M.]

Re: 396 finishes

i'd favor desoto green as that's what i've seen on the one and only pre-65 396 i've examined back on the '40's.yer a smart ass tc. regards,mike

[Tony S.]

Re: 396 finishes

I have found on my original (16120) the intake is natural aluminum (no silver paint) light orange overspray at the bolt area with a little orange fog on the upper runners . No bare metal showing on the head (all orange) , silver painted thermostat housing with a natural aluminum spacer & all fittings unpainted . Also my engine had the thick washer head recessed FP bolts on the intake .I have seen thin washer heads on 66 intakes . (I think silver paint was only used to correct very sloppy orange overspray on the intakes . MY opinion .)

I agree with Bill. The orange paint "fog" came from putting a cover over the aluminum intake just before painting the engine orange. Some orange paint misted under the edges of the intake cover.

[Joe R.]

Re: 396 finishes

I have found on my original (16120) the intake is natural aluminum (no silver paint) light orange overspray at the bolt area with a little orange fog on the upper runners . No bare metal showing on the head (all orange) , silver painted thermostat housing with a natural aluminum spacer & all fittings unpainted . Also my engine had the thick washer head recessed FP bolts on the intake .I have seen thin washer heads on 66 intakes . (I think silver paint was only used to correct very sloppy orange overspray on the intakes . MY opinion .)

Hi Bill,

Can you provide pictures?

Thanks,
Joe

[Bill W.]

Re: 396 finishes

Joe I have the still dirty unrestored intake down stairs . The overspray is so light and with the dirt I dont think it will show in a photo . I will look tonight .

[James W.]

Re: 396 finishes

Mike,

Here is a couple of pictures of my '65 396 engine.


Regards,

James West

getting ready to install the intake. it appears it had some chevy engine orange overspray while the cast iron outlet has some dull aluminum finish. what's the current thoughts on the finishes of the intake, outlet and exposed surface of the heads at the intake. thanks,mike

IMG_1715.JPGIMG_1709.JPG

[Bill W.]

Re: 396 finishes

REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED REVISED
I made a mistake in my last post I used my p@&s poor memory instead of walking downstairs . 16120 DID NOT have recessed FP bolts . It did have black washer head bolts with an A . I am going to try to post some pictures tonight of overspray .

[Carl N.]

Re: 396 finishes

James, looking GOOD - butt ya missed a spot right above the fuel pump - lol

[Michael H.]

Re: 396 finishes

James, looking GOOD - butt ya missed a spot right above the fuel pump - lol

Actually, there's supposed to be a bare spot right above the fuel pump.

[Joe R.]

Re: 396 finishes

Michael,

What do you think about the orange paint around the heat riser area on both sides. Does that pics stir a discussion about rusting heads on the showroom floor? And what GM did to cure the problem? Maybe they did T engines differently?

JR

[Michael H.]

Re: 396 finishes

Michael,

What do you think about the orange paint around the heat riser area on both sides. Does that pics stir a discussion about rusting heads on the showroom floor? And what GM did to cure the problem? Maybe they did T engines differently?

JR

JR

On most block engines with original paint, there is usually no paint at all behind the exhaust manifolds. I suppose some had more than others but it would have been difficult to get a good shot at that area with the manifold in place.

On the fuel pump area... there was clearly a large piece of masking placed over the fuel pump hole in the block to prevent paint from entering the hole. The tape seemed to cover an inch or two above and below the hole so there would be naked cast iron in these areas.

I know of nothing that was done at the plant to prevent rust on new cars in shipment.