Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I cant remember if i had told everyone that my engine was the original, somebody had just decided to paint it red for some reason.

Anyway since my Patrician only has 86k on it, i dont plan on rebuilding the block for a while, but i want to keep it looking nice until then. Ill probably keep it red untill its rebuilt as well, then ill repaint it to original.

Ive got my heater core off, and im getting ready to pull the manifold, and the valve covers, but i have almost no idea what to paint them with. And do i try and cover the inside of them or will that just flake off and cause problems.

I started the heater core with that Plasticote Engine enamel, but im not so sure its very good. That stuff seems so soft.

Also what is a favorite parts wash arund here?

I don't believe any Patrician engine (with the possible exception of a factory replacement) should be red; gray 1951-53, bronze for 1954, ivory for 1955, and bronze for 1956.

I just figure since im not going to pull it out for a long time that, i would like it to match, but when i do i know for sure it will be bronze. And i havev know idea why or who painted it red, I thought it was kind of wierd, especially that bright red you usually see on the OUTSIDE of an 80's chevy or something.

But, its numbers do match my car so...

You might want to check either the engine serial # (Utica plant#) or motor number, one of the 1955 Clipper engines was originally painted red. Could be your car had a motor swapout.

Maybe the previous owner went by some old mechanics memory--or just liked bright red. The 55 Clipper small engines were a dignified but not bright red.

When I bought my first V8 Packard in early 70s and just starting to collect information, I asked an old time mechanic still working in what had been the local Packard dealership some questions. One was engine color. He told me he remembered the engines were bluish-green (and some Clippers were). I promptly painted a rebuilt short block a shade of turquoise that some modern car used. It may still be out there so anyone having 5682-1032, guilty. Packard information wasn't as readily available to everyone back then.

Ok so the numbers on the top of the block and on the door pillar are both 5682-4487 so I'm pretty sure its the original. So it should be bronze then? And on to the next part of the question what is the best brand to use or better yet what holds up the best? Ie plasticote, Por15?

The bronze engine paints that both Kanters and Bill Hirsch carry are pretty good quality, and are the correct shade. 1 quart should be enough for the entire engine with paint left over for touchup in the future.

You can brush it or spray it on, but you really need to get the motor as clean and grease free as possible before you paint. Take a look at Dave Czirr's (Ownen Dyneto) project blog as he painted his in the same color.

Quote:

Kev,

I can't find a Project Blog for Owen_Dyneto, could you mean Randy Berger's?

Opps...sorry. I had just got done reading a post Dave had left, so he must have still been in my head. Yes I mean Randy's project blog. Thanks for keeping my honest.

I used Hirsch's paint, but someone said that Kanter's had a little more gold in it and they thought it looked closer to original. Either way, both are good paints.