Th350 Was it Painted

Getting ready to reinstall freshly rebuilt 350 2 barrel in my 1970 Skylark Custom convertible. Transmission was rebuilt several years ago, so internals good, exterior has been cleaned and looks fine in bare metal. My shop asked if I wanted to paint it. I was wondering it appears like it was originally not painted am I correct or was it originally painted and if so what color?

 

Not painted aluminum case.

 

Thanks for the help

 

Not a problem, good luck with your install an Breakin with your rebuilt motor make sure you use heavy zinc additive for Breakin the cam.

 

Pretty sure they came in natural aluminum, but I wasn't happy with how mine looked even with all the cleaning and scrubbing I could do to it. So I wire wheeled it with a fine brush and painted it with VHT aluminum spray paint. Still looks great after 3 years.

It just didn't seem right to have the new engine all detailed and mate it up to a kinda grungy drab looking transmission.

 

Thanks again Stage 2 iron, yes my engine builder recommends after the 500mile breakin oil to run Amsoil 10w30 with zinc. Decided to just clean and polish the transmission rather than paint. Considering I have not restored my Buick to the degree where I would stick mirrors under it for everyone to see, going natural was the way to go.

 

hey Mike what Color is that? I have a 1970 Skylark and I'm having trouble locating "Late Red"

 

Bill Hirsch Engine Enamel Buick Red Lat 1966-1971, codes on the can 5670-4130, Batch #30410, not sure who my engine builder used as his supplier, but have seen it online Bill Hirsch Auto. Perfect match to the valve covers made and painted by TA performance. Waiting on 2 new wiring harnesses being built
by letric limited and then can finally install it back in car and she will be able to move on her own power again.

 

That's what I'd do also.
Your engine looks great, the trans. still looks unfinished even tho its "clean"
Paint will also help seal up the pores of the bare casting so it dirt and oil has a harder time sticking to it.

 

Maybe a can of satin clear coat to seal it up after all that effort? I couldn't shake the thought of the case soaking up every bit of grime after the hours of scrubbing. Pictures of how the clear looks:

 

That's a great idea clearing it, I will do the same, thanks for the suggestion.

 

I cleaned and degreased my th400 then painted it with aluminum colour paint.

 

Why is your garage floor so clean

 

I get yelled at when the dogs step in Buick fluid, so keeping it clean is necessary haha.