My new 1968 Nova L79 project.

[PxTx]

Kind of interesting you ask about paint as it was a topic of conversation a few times out in Chicago. I'm sure my pop will chime in, but basically we were discussing how most of the CE waranty jobs had the block come in without paint. My dad tried to get the parts counter guys to charge out a can or two of orange paint. He said the majority of the motors done out of the delaership were without paint.

I'm actually very surprized the fellow accepted the replacment motor without paint since the car was basically new and I'm sure the engine compartment didn't quite look new after the unpainted motor went in.

The question I see is about how you want to represent the car. If the CE is going to be a focal point or Day 2 theme, then unpainted would get the nod. I would have reservations that although unique, this may not add any value to the car. As I mentioned, my Dad did warranty jobs AND painted the motors, so it could be done either way.

Have you seen ny other cars with restorations involving CE warranty motors that have gone the unpainted (look) route?

The other side is going more towards the virgin factory build, simply using the CE motor. Motor would be painted and car would looks as new. I think this is the way most people treat the CE motors during restoration.

I say paint it.

[kwhizz]

Jason.......Paint it...........

[jasonL78]

Actually I have never seen this done with a CE warranty block. All the ones I have seen have been painted. This was just another detail I was thinking about. I actually think it would be a cool conversation topic. I know it is a warranty replacement block and I will never represent it as the original motor. (Not that I can with the CE stamp)

This is what I was thinking about doing; Paint the heads, intake, timing chain cover, and oil pan all orange but not paint all the bolt heads (like someone removed them when the block was replaced) then paint the block cast grey with blue the markings. It is an AC car so once all the AC parts are installed it will hardly be noticed. I was just trying to find out if it has ever been done and what the consensus is on doing it?

As far as my focal point of the car I am trying to restore the car back to original to some extent but more the way I found it. The car did have headers and I am still up in the air if they are going back onto the car. I have all the smog parts if I choose to go that route. What I was thinking about doing is install the headers dual exhaust and mount the smog pump and brackets but that is it. Just to give it that day 2 look.

It does make since that most of these CE motors where never painted by the mechanics. If they where working on flat rate (if they had that back then) time would be money. From the dealerships point of view, they have a customer that is most likely a little upset and would want there new car back as quick as possible?


So far we have 2 for paint it? Anyone else?

[budnate]

sad but true when I was at the dealer in the 80's nothing was painted, it went out the door how ever it came out of the box.

B.

[RPOLS3]

Paint it.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

Jason you are doing such a great job with this restoration,i say paint the engine also.

[kwhizz]

Depends at what point in History you want the car to represent......I say as Delivered.........Paint it!!

[jasonL78]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I will be painting the motor this weekend.

jason

[Plowman]

When I did CE blocks at the dealership,the warranty R.O. would bounce if a can of paint was charged out on it. That's why the parts counter guys would not do it. I would go to the Use Car detail area and if I found a can of paint,I would paint the CE block. If the customer would ask,they were told that GM Warranty does not pay for paint. That was it. *Paul

[jasonL78]

Almost have the subframe all done. I just have to rebuild my steering box.






I also painted the L79 and started bolting everyhting back onto the motor