Engine Paint Schemes

I was rebuilding my '63 289 last year and the paint shop gave me some grief over the paint scheme: Block/Black   Valve Covers/Red

Prior to 1966 Ford did not paint blocks "Blue" take a look at this site

http://www.galaxieclub.com/Colors.html

where did CC get that weird green paint?

The light green was Interceptor's standard color from the 50's up thru 65 or 66, when they changed to blue for the last few years they were in production. Not knowing where to get that color anymore I think many owners have just opted for the Ford blue. I have no clue either, other than maybe that Interceptor guy previously noted above. The Holman Moody's were always blue from what I've seen. If anyone with a Chrysler wants the original turquoise engine paint used up thru about 1970 or so, you can get it from Dupli-Color, part no. 1619, which you can get thru NAPA, but they'll most likely have to order it. DupliColor calls it Chrysler green.      

   

WOW! Awsome Engine! Did you do the valve covers yourself?

Original color is great for "purists", if you are going for originality, the black color is mostly for auto use. Black on cast iron dissipates heat quicker, that is ,gets rid of heat, That's why they paint wood stoves, barbecue grills, ect. black. A boat motor runs in a closed compartment, with no air flow. That's why we run water jacketed exhaust, have no radiator, and expel warmed lake water, and can paint our engines any color we like! Also many motor marinizers like Gray, Interceptor, Hollman Moody, Chrysler, Waukesha, Palmer, and others used what paint they nornally would use on every engine. I love my chrysler blue, But am going to give it up for Mercury black, the new Chevy color.

During the '60's Ford used black on the special HO blocks. High output.

Tim,

I don't know if they are still building engines. But they are still in business. The number I posted above they answered the phone with "marine sales may I help you?" They might just be parts and service.

When I called to ask about the block paint color, I ended up talking to the guy for awhile about the carter side draft carbs on my 312. He advised me to take the carters off, put'em in a box and replace them with a modern carb. He said the carters would sometimes spill fuel into the bilge. Anyway... he said that I "would need a 4 barrel intake manifold and if I wanted he would look at the inventory in the shop to see if they had one."

Everyone I've talked to there, in asking about the block color, is very nice and seem to be more than willing to talk boats and engines anytime.

head,

looks like that paint is new...look at the brass fitting.

Did Ford use the Y-Block on tractors? Maybe another place to run down parts...