Engine Lift Brackets

[69L89396]

Does anyone know what the correct color is for the lift brackets on the big block engine with aluminum heads? I was told that if the engine had steel heads, they were orange and if aluminum, they were natural. I'm not sure if this "correct"?
Also, what is the correct color of the distributor hold down and bolt, natural or orange? Were these painted before they were bolted on or after the engine was assembled?

[SS427]

This has been a long standing debate. Over the last 3 years I have done a lot of research on survivor Chevelles, Camaros and Impalas and believe all front lift brackets installed with aluminum intakes/heads were natural or silver cadmium. Thermostat housings were natural aluminum (not orange) and the distributor hold downs were not painted. The rear engine lift bracket however did get orange overspray. The engines were assembled with valve covers, water pump, intake and bellhousings and then a cardboard box mask was laid over the valve covers and intake. This is why you see orange overspray on intakes and the very edge of the valve covers. This is just my opinion (and that of a Diamond judge) after doing much research.

[Keith Tedford]

Old pictures of our COPO engine show the silver front lift bracket. I believe they just had a layer of silver paint.

[William]

I have engine photos of an absolutely original 1969 Z/28, still original owner, the lift brackets are orange.

[Mr70]

My opinion is the front engine lift bracket could've come either orange or painted silver on an Aluminum intake engine.
The rear is almost always Orange,but I did find one survivor with it painted silver.
Humans built them,so they probably used their own discretion when assembling.
But if you are Restoring a car to look Brand new,I would leave the Front and rear brackets natural on an Aluminum intake engine.It just looks better then Orange.