Hey gang,

So I'm in the middle of a major engine/compartment detailing/repaint on my black 98 and I'm wondering what is actually the correct way to paint the oil pan. I've seen lots of cars where the pan looks to be bare metal (cleared I'm sure) and plenty of others where it's painted to match the engine.

Did they come different ways like this over the years or is it a matter of preference?

 

The oil pan is engine color (your case blue) on all V-8 Oldsmobiles i have worked on and restored from 65 to 79. after that i beleive all the motors where black.

Steve

 

Engine color.

I've never seen one that looked like "bare meal," though I have seen a few that were chrome plated by hot rodders.


- Eric

 

That's what I figured and I was honestly hoping to hear. I think it just looks cleaner the same color as the block. OK, now I can better prep for my day off next week where all I'm doing is Olds work!!

thanks guys!!
John

 

Nice car by the way John.

I judged your car this year at the New England Olds club car show.
Guys......... this paint on this car in impeckable. You can dive into the paint. good luck withthe engine bay resto but dont think you needed much. Any questions or advice feel free to contact me.

STeve

 

Hey Steve! I had a feeling this might be you! Thank you very much for the compliments on my car. I am very happy with the paint work (I wish I could take credit for it!). Not sure if you remember, but I kept the hood closed at the show because the motor wasn't show-ready at all. I'm working as much and as hard as I can to make it a real show piece ready for this year's show.

By the way, I'm hoping to have 7 Ninety Eight's at this year's show!

 

I think you might be referring to when people are restoring to the nth degree, they try to emulate the way these engines were painted at the factory. Usually, they would not get a good coat on the bottom of the oil pan because they couldn't get a good angle from the standing position, therefor, the bottom of the pan would usually rust pretty quickly.

 

You know that makes good sense actually. If the intention was for the whole engine to be painted as one, then that's what I'm going to do. I cannot wait to see the finished product. I'm taking pictures along the way so I'll post them soon...in this or another post about the engine detailing specifically.

Thanks for all the info guys! Now I absolutely know what I'm going to do!
John

 

Never hered of this, where did you get that info on how they painted the engines?


Thanks,

STeve

 

http://www.inlinetube.com/articles/O...l%20Engine.htm

 

Very cool article! Now I almost feel like I'm getting too **** with painting all the parts separately. Of course I'm still going to do it that way but it's cool to see something about how they were really painted back then..it does make sense really..I mean we are talking mass production of everyday cars...they weren't building show cars that were super detailed.

 

Also, . See 4:35.

- Eric

 

GOOD POINT, but why would you not paint the pan on the botton? It will rust just like it did after leaving the factory. I guess depending on your particular preferance i guess. Me, I have been painting the complete oil pan's on these type of cars for years on many of my Oldsmobile restorations, won many awards, magazine articles,
2008 Hemmings Muscle Machine of the year
http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/..._feature1.html
and have never had points taken off or had any mention that the oil pan was NOT supposed to be fully painted. Thanks for the info
just my 2 cents.


STeve

 

Very cool video Eric..thanks for posting!

Steve, nice work!

I took off this Friday and rented an engine hoist to help me get the pan out, change the pump, seals, repaint, reassemble, etc. It's going to be a busy day but I cannot wait!

 

EXCELLENT, good luck withthe details. if you have any questions feel free to email me or i can give you my phone number so you can text me.

STeve

 

MUCH appreciated Steve. Always great to have an expert handy! I will definitely let you know if I have any questions. In fact, I have one or two already so I'll email you.

Thanks!
John