Our 1954 Caribbean engine is ready for paint. I know that the block and head are bronze. I have heard that the intake manifold is satin black and that the exhaust manifold was originally not painted. Can anyone confirm this? Also, can anyone tell me what color the oil pan is supposed to be?

The oil pan is painted engine color (bronze). From the factory both the intake and exhaust manifold were natural cast iron (unpainted). But some folks paint them black to ward off rust, and most judges will look the other way on that.

Eastwood sells a nice Hi-temp cast iron gray paint that looks just natural fresh cast iron.

Thank you!

I also highly recommend the Eastwood high-temp stainless steel paint; once the manifold reaches operating temperature for a few minutes, it takes on the appearance of virgin cast iron and retains that appearance for quite a long time. The cleaner the manifold is, the better the job, a good rigorous wire-brushing and solvent cleaning at the least.

Thank you!