72 engine and compartment paint colors

[Don92649]

My original engine from 72 convt is out for complete rebuilding so this is the time to paint it and other parts right. Where can I find guidelines as to what original colors were used for what? e.g., block, pan, heads, bell housing, manifold, fuel pump, etc.

The valve covers are clearly orange but the rest of engine and parts isn't so clear because of time and several people working on it over the years. I've seen a couple posts on here but nothing to address this exactly. I am the original owner and should know this but don't. I've tried to keep it all original/stock so painting to original condition makes sense at this time. The body got a super nice paint job (Targa blue) and new black interior so engine is next.

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The NCRS manuals are invaluable for this.

 

[Don92649]

I don't know what NCRS manual you mean but I'm not into showing the car, etc. Perhaps I should look into NCRS more but right now with so many on this forum I just thought someone might know off hand or have a picture of their 72 showing the colors. thanks

 

[6880 Mike]

...The NCRS manuals are invaluable for this...

I agree. Join NCRS and purchase the 72 NCRS Judging Manual. It lists the factory finishes for your car.

National Corvette Restorers Society

Your engine from Flint was essentially a long block and painted Chevrolet orange as an assembly. The assembly instruction manual (AIM) will show the various items added to the long block by workers on the assembly line, any of which may have been something other than Chevrolet orange.

71 shown; 72 will be similar.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Keep in mind also that some details will change according to which engine the car has. Big blocks came from a different factory than small blocks, and paint on SBC components varies according to which RPO is installed. Base engine has painted intake and valve covers, optional engines, cast valve covers and intake.

 

[2VettesMike]

I went through this on my 72 a few years back. At the risk of pulling from memory while at work here is the Cliff notes version:

Assemble engine with balancer, no pulley
Add bellhousing
Leave off fuel pump, motor mounts, plug wires heat shields, carb, distributor.
Use Chevy orange paint, I got a good match from Paragon
Spray from the top down, factory did a poor job on oil pan, usually thinly coated
Bellhousing will be natural aluminum but with oversray where it bolts to engine.

Have fun!

Mike

 

[Don92649]

To all - Thanks so much for the pic and info. Just what I wanted. I'm sending the block off for rebuilding so they needed to know what color to paint it when done. The block and heads have some orange on them but much of it worn off so looked black.

BTW - it's the 350/200 base engine w/4speed. Few options - no a/c, standard interior, etc.

The only thing I wonder about is the intake...your 71 pic shows it orange but mine has no orange on it and I'm sure it's original manifold. But, I'll get the books and do the rest when block is done.

Thanks again...I can't believe the info out there now

 

[2VettesMike]

Base 200HP engine had cast iron manifold which was painted orange.

To all - Thanks so much for the pic and info. Just what I wanted. I'm sending the block off for rebuilding so they needed to know what color to paint it when done. The block and heads have some orange on them but much of it worn off so looked black.

BTW - it's the 350/200 base engine w/4speed. Few options - no a/c, standard interior, etc.

The only thing I wonder about is the intake...your 71 pic shows it orange but mine has no orange on it and I'm sure it's original manifold. But, I'll get the books and do the rest when block is done.

Thanks again...I can't believe the info out there now View attachment 731View attachment 732

 

[6880 Mike]

...Base 200HP engine had cast iron manifold which was painted orange...

I agree. Casting number 6263751.