38 Flathead manifold question

[Earl Zastrow]

Hi All,
I have a question regarding the small piece (don't know what it's called) that clamps down on the intake and exhaust manifolds.  I can't fiqure out what color they are supposed to be.  I've seen pictures of them both in Cadillac green and the black porcelain finish.  To add to the confusion, my authenticity manual seems to show them uncoated.  I have to send my exhaust manifolds off to be recoated soon and it would be helpful to know if I need to send them anything else.

Thanks,
Earl Zastrow

[Bobby B]

Earl,
Hi. On the '47 Flathead, they're engine color. I would think if they were porcelainized that the finish would eventually crack under that tension. I've only seen them in Flathead Green....
                                                         Bobby

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

This is an unresolved authenticity question as far as I am concerned.  The studs on these seem fairly consistent at a black oxide type finish as results from heat treatment.  I have seen traces of cadmium on a few clamps but just don't know if that was what they were.  Painting them does not seem consistent with the assembly sequence.  They would be put on after the exhaust manifolds which would not be painted.  They would not be porcelain and never have seen a trace of that on them.  I have finished them in black oxide (not paint) type finish and they look nice.

[Earl Zastrow]

Ok,
Thanks guys.

Earl

[toybox]

   They are referred to as strong backs and having looked at many in the bone yards plus my virgin 46 coup I will say with some certainty that had some kind of dull silver/gray coating.     Hope this helps. Tim

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

Could you post a picture showing the silver/gray.

[Whit Otis, 1188]

Silver/gray are the ones I have seen leading me to think they were given a cadmium plating job which is an inexpensive coating providing decent appearance, prevents some heat discoloration and rust prevention. Every flathead I have owned has had this appearance, but that doesn