[68gtoMN]

Originally Posted by 68RamII

Hey Everyone,

I am about ready to paint the engine for my RA II. I have read the threads showing the different shades of Pontiac Light Blue Metallic for 1966 to 1970. Looking through my collection of photos and the photos posted here on PY it seems the level of green varies greatly. Since I work for PPG, I took the time to find the original standard used by our refinish department. The standard is much more blue shade whereas my original engine parts are very green. This leads to some questions which I have listed below.


1. Is it possible, that over time the engine heat, oil and dirt turned the paint green?

2. Do the judges at the GTOAA show really look at the engine color?

3. Are the intake bolts supposed to be black or do they get painted the engine color?

4. Do the water neck bolts get painted the engine color?

5. Do the oil pump housing bolts get painted the engine color?

Pictures and opinions are appreciated!!


Thanks,

In order:

1. Heat appears to make the color more green over time. I just examined several pictures of an original engine, never removed, with original paint under the grime (well preserved). The back of the block (freeze plugs in particular) are more green. As I get to the A/T flex plate, it is much more silver/blue and the paint on the crank flange is typical silver blue (less heat and exposure)
2. Judges do not fault for slight variations in formula or use over time. If it is the std silver blue, this is known and no deductions will be made
3. Intake bolts are painted- is assembled on engine before paint
4. Thermostat bolts are painted - is assembled on engine before paint
5. Oil filter housing, I think you mean (or are you assuming fuel pump?) Assembled on engine; therefore, painted