71 BB Engine Painting Details

[Sheldon S.]

I have a few questions about some specfic items on the 454 with auto trans,
1- were the heater hose fittings on the intake and water pump when engine was painted and if not what finish were they when installed on engine.

2- the vacumadvance line Clip, was it painted with the engine also.

3- The balancer, was it painted on the engine complete with bolt and washer nin place?

4- the four bolts that hold the valve cover and the ground wires for the plugs with radio, were they zinc plated and how about the bolt reinforcements, were they painted orange like the rest.

5- The distributor cover supports, are they orange as well.

Thanks in advance
Sheldon

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

1) Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Do whatever you want, unless you are fortunate enough to find an engine with the same assembly date as yours to use as an example, or there is evidance remaining on your engine.

2) Yes -- unless your engine has an aluminum manifold.

3) Yes, however the front of the vibration damper was masked so the surface that the pulleys would eventually bolt to was unpainted -- drips or runs in that paint could make the pulleys wobble, so no paint there.

4) All 14 bolts and reinforcements were on the engine when it was painted. Later, at St. Louis, the four bolts for the radio grounds were installed after removing the original bolts in those positions. The four bolts installed in St. Louis were slightly longer than those installed by Tonawanda, and were unpainted. The reinforcements often (maybe even usually) fell off the rocker covers and new, unpainted ones were installed. The four bolts installed in St. Louis usually had different head marks than the other shorter bolts. All 14 bolts with the same head mark is inattention to detail -- don't do it.

5) Yes

[Sheldon S.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Thanks Terry,
One more question, the timing indicator on the timing chain cover I read was masked off. How much of it was masked and what was used to mask it.
thanks
Sheldon

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Just the part with the lines and numbers indicating the degrees was masked. They used a piece of tape, although some believe (and there is some evidence to support their belief) that that portion of the tab was wiped while the paint was fresh. Either method is acceptable.

[Kevin G.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Sheldon, Here are a few pictures of my 71bb 4 speed w/o air.
Hope they help, I wasn't able to get a picture of the balancer, bolt or washer.

Kevin

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Lots of nice details there Kevin. Is that the original water pump by-pass hose and clamps? and the wiring to the CEC solenoid?

[Kevin G.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Lots of nice details there Kevin. Is that the original water pump by-pass hose and clamps? and the wiring to the CEC solenoid?

Thanks Terry, the camera does a great job! As far as I'm aware these parts are original, from the factory. There was never any mention from the previous owners that they have been replaced. Since I've owned the car I have gently cleaned with water. Happy to post more photo's if needed.

Kevin

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Interesting. I would have expected some orange (red) paint on the by-pass hose and clamps. That is why I asked.

[Kevin G.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Interesting. I would have expected some orange (red) paint on the by-pass hose and clamps. That is why I asked.

Here's a picture from the drivers side, you are correct! Just look at the engine orange on it! I guess the hose has been wiped off over the years where visible only.

Kevin

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

AH Now that picture makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

[Erik S.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Very nice pictures Kevin - already noticed in Dallas that you have a great eye for detail.

Erik

[Kevin G.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Very nice pictures Kevin - already noticed in Dallas that you have a great eye for detail.

Erik

Thank you for the compliment Erik! All I did was point and push the button on the camera, the car is education on wheels! Hope the pic's help the OP.

Hope to see you at the National?

Kevin

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Sheldon, Here are a few pictures of my 71bb 4 speed w/o air.
Hope they help, I wasn't able to get a picture of the balancer, bolt or washer.

Kevin

Kevin,
I have a 71 bb w/o air. Getting to small details and I want to reinstall my
ccs solenoid on the carb. I took it off many years ago. I have the bracket but I cannot find the screw that holds it to the carb. I would like to get the correct type (large head?) and color (black?). You seem to be there.

Thanks,

Ken

[Kevin G.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Here's a picture for you. You might have to save a copy in order to zoom in on the screw.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 71 BB Engine Painting Details

Here's a picture for you. You might have to save a copy in order to zoom in on the screw.

Thank you for the prompt reply, Slotted screw, not phillips and looks black.

I find one.

Ken