Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I'm still working on detailing the engine compartment of my 1949 Deluxe Eight, and wondering whether anyone has found a black paint that looks nice on an exhaust manifold and will stay there for a while. I don't want to take the manifold set off if I can avoid it.

Thanks,

Steve

If you want it to look correct, it should NOT be black. As delivered they were just naked cast iron and there are several paints that do a great job of maintaining that fresh gray cast iron appearance, Eastwood has one that I can recommend and I'm sure others will have suggestions as well.

Thanks for the tip. I learn a lot on this site. I'll check it out.

The POR-15 manifold grey is also very good, but would require removing the manifolds for prep.
Here is a link to a picture where you can see my intake/exhaust manifolds.
manifolds on my car

I've only been driving my car 1 year with the paint, but it has survived some long autobahn trips at high ambient temperatures.

Thanks for the info and pictures. I already ordered the Eastwood product, hoping to get the manifold coated without removing it.

With some patience you should be able to do a decent job painting the exhaust manifold. The cleaner you get it first (like any paint job), the longer-lasting will be the result. You certainly want it free of grease and oil, and for rusty areas you might try wire-brushing. There are some nice little wire brushes about the size and shape of tooth brushes which work nicely in smaller areas. I did the exhaust manifolds on my '56 Caribbean with the Eastwood product, after 5 years or so they still looked great and even after more than 10 years they look presentable- I've occasionally touched up a few spots. Good luck with it!