I have an all original 1961,62 series,g model coupe with 20,000 actual miles. I had to pull the engine and trans to reseal both. Freeze out plugs in engine and reseal front of transmission. My question is how far should I go as far as engine paint? Touch up,repaint or leave it alone.
Any pictures? They would be a big help in determining. Harry
As one who might be looking at (judging) the car, I would ask, "Just how much of the rest of the car is 100% original. If hardly anything has been done to the car, leave it alone. (You can clean it as much as you wish.) If a fender or door has been painted and the lack of blue paint "bugs" you, touch it up some. My '91 Seville is not eligible as yet, but all my hoses, etc are still factory original. Make it drivable (safely) but for at least one time's judging, leave it like you got it as much as possible. BMW, Past President.
It's a complicated question.
The CLC recognizes cars that are largely original with a Past Presidents Preservation Award. If you enter your car for judging at a CLC National that's one category you can consider. Minor flaws are overlooked as originality and correctness are valued over perfect paint, chrome and interior.
I have a 31,000 mile 1970 Cadillac. It gets the preservation award easily at a CLC Grand National but only a 3rd in class judging.
If I ever pull the engine for work like you have I would repaint the engine and accessories while I had it out. Ultimately you need to please yourself with what you do to the car.
A refinish on the engine won't hurt you in the preservation class but would help in class judging.
Hope this is helpful.
Brian
When you replace the Freeze Plugs, use Brass ones in place of the steel ones. Costs a bit more, but definitely worth it.
Bruce. >:D
Thanks for all the replies. I've been having problems replying and getting pics on here. not good at this forum stuff. This car was my fathers and sat in a garage from 1985 till 2002 with 15,600 miles on it. I have done some touch up work on the outside of the body but paint is 80% original. Interior is 100% original. Engine and trans is also 100% original. Since I will never sell the car due to it being my fathers,and having a grandson that loves the car almost as much as me,I painted the engine yesterday before dropping it in.I do care allot what other people think about the car when judging it but when it comes down to it its all about what I feel is the direction I see the car going.
What paint did you use ?
Back when these cars were new, the fussy owners like my dad would touch up chips the mechanics did to the engine compartment and as time went by took the car to the Dealer less and less and performed service himself. Very few cars are "original and untouched."
I bought my paint from Bill Hursh.