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

One of my next projects is to replace my '53 Cavalier's manifold gaskets.

While I have them off I'll clean them up and paint them, but what is the correct colour/s? It's hard to tell on the old b/w photo from the service manual, and when I look online at different cars, even ones that would appear to be a quality restoration, there are a variety of manifold colours. Some are black, some are engine colour, some are silver, and some are different combinations of two colours for the intake and exhaust. A common combination seems to be black intake, and then either silver or engine colour for the exhaust.




This is just a pic I found online. '53 Clipper



I'll also check to make sure that neither are warped out of spec and correct that if necessary.

I have checked before to make sure the manifolds are tight, and some of those nuts are not very accessible. Does it just require a combination of different extensions, swivels and sockets to get to each one? If there are any tricks let me know!

The inner ones nearest the carburetor or tough no matter what’s used so it’s just a matter of trying whatever you have. For those and some of the others, probably a box wrench will do the job. I advise to not separate the intake from the exhaust as that’s a whole new can of worms but do service the heat riser if needed while it’s out.

As for color, I understand that they were bare cast iron and there is high temperature paint that color available although I’m not sure who sells it today.

If you care to spend the money, you can have them ceramic coated. I had mine done with a cast iron finish 15 years and thousands of miles ago at this place. They still look brand new.finishlinecoatings.com/

Most of the nuts/studs going to the block should be reasonable to get off. On my carib, the two bolts that hold the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold would not come out. It wouldn't hurt to start soaking them in your penetrating oil of choice a week before you start taking things apart.