Hello all,

Just got everything back from the machine shop and I'm trying to figure out the "correct" way to paint the 455 in my 71 W30. I read quite a few threads and looked at even more pictures of Olds motors. Should I assemble everything, pans and all, minus the intake and spray it all. Or should I spray each piece, then assemble it? I guess my biggest concern is do all the pan bolts, timing cover bolts, and head bolts get painted or not?? I bought all new hardware, it would be a shame to paint it. How did they get painted at the factory when produced in 71?

 

At the factory they were painted complete including the fuel pump and the distributor, On the W cars they would have been painted without the intake. On my cars, I painted them complete less fuel pump, distributor and valve covers. I always found it to difficult to get a good paint job with the valve covers on the engine. I usually just used a junk pair of covers to protect the valve train rather than tape everything off..

 

Thanks that helps, but what about colors? I have seen the bolt on parts for the intake black and blue. Same with the pulleys etc...?? Not that I plan to show the car, but what do the judges look for as far as painted parts and the engine? Is there a document of guidelines anywhere?

 

John, here's a good thread on engine paint options. Seems like I've been posting alot of links lately...

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-needed-72478/

Anyways, I suggest you go with POR15 engine paint. It's going to be more durable than any rattle can paint you get. If you want an exact color match then there are other options out there though.

https://www.por15.com/

 

Thanks for the link, but I've already bought paint. I got a quart from Thornton's. It's authorized by GM but was not reasonably priced. Mainly looking for what part gets painted what color?

 

Intake bolts would not have been natural - i believe a gray oxide. Pulleys would not have been on engine. They are a semi gloss black and the bots would also have been natural. I have seen them usually in a black oxide. Can't remember if 350s had the lift ring. on the top front of the engine. If it is, on a W car it should be natural (although there has been a huge debate on this) Head bolts would be painted

 

I can't say for sure about 70 but 71 and 72, the intake manifold was on the engine when they painted them at the factory. On low mile original cars you will "usually" see blue overspray on the front edge of the intake manifold. The bolts and all were painted on the rest of the engine. I usually paint all the parts apart and then paint the entire engine again after it is together.