1970 CKO L78 block paint markings research

[ronzz572]

Anyone document or have pictures to post of original 1970 L78 engine paint markings. I feel there were some on these engines prior to painting them after assembly. I'm working on mine prior to painting it and would like some examples of original engine block paint markings to maybe put back on mine. My engine block was probably hot tanked and rebuilt once prior to me. So nothing was found on mine. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[firstgenaddict]

On Flint engines I have typically found the engine suffix marked on the side of the block using a grease stick, I do not have examples of Tonawanda markings.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

My 70 L34 Nova had the engine suffix marked at the rear of the right side head. They used a white grease stick.

[SS427]

I would imagine that the CKO engines at Tonawanda would have similar markings to this CRV and MQ markings.

I have also seen a purplish pink wide brush mark where the intake meets the block and head on the front driver's side of the block as white paint marks on the sides of the blocks but cannot find a photo of these at this moment. If I do I will post them.

In addition, I always paint my blocks with a cast iron color, install a set of shop exhaust manifolds and then shoot the Chevrolet orange like was done at the Tonawanda plant.

[ronzz572]

Thanks Rick for posting the picks and sharing. I'm doing my block the same way. Cast blast the block and water pump. Painting the oil pan timing cover in a natural steel paint. Probably put CKO on the rear and call it a day.

[firstgenaddict]

the biggest thing I have seen is just don't put too much paint on the engine.
Rick's engine looks perfect -as illustrated by his photo the water pump snout had a card board tube on the end to protect the fan mounting surface from being painted.

If you lightly coat the exhaust manifolds they will burn off nicely and still have the paint left on the manifold ears and bolts.
Here is one I did 8-10 years ago.... I used an airbrush to limit the paint on the manifolds - they were fully painted, they burned off and looked perfect in my opinion.

[CamarosRus]

Anybody want to share there procedure for good paint adhesion and what
brand, color, part # of paint they use........
Exterior car paint is always over restored with BC/CC
Chrome Quality is Over Restored
Subframe Paint is Over Restored

but engine paint is NOT Over Restored

[CamarosRus]

To The Top

Anybody want to share there procedure for good paint adhesion and what
brand, color, part # of paint they use........
Exterior car paint is always over restored with BC/CC
Chrome Quality is Over Restored
Subframe Paint is Over Restored

but engine paint is NOT Over Restored
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