OK, I realize many restorers chose not to do this due to the appearance and many disagree, but I just received additional information that confirms this practice and thought anybody who was originally interested in this should read it.

I contacted GM Tonawanda to see if there was a historical Division or somebody who could provide information on the correct shade of Orange used on the Engine Blocks.

I talked to Art Casper who has been a Tonawanda Employee since 1964 and handles all the historical inquiries.

He stated the entire block, including the manifolds were painted up until 1969. The reason being was that the engines were only "Fire tested" for oil pressure then shut down.

In 1970 emissions specifications required additional testing of the motors and caused excess smoking of the painted manifolds. They were then masked.

I realize it's not ashetically pleasing, I just think it's interesting to know the entire manifold was originally painted and burned off, as apposed to overspray being correct.

That should set some restroration folks to thinking. Appreciate the research and historical information. Just because it may come up, do you have it in writing or just a verbal conversation. Some people tend to believe it more if it's in written format.

Verbal, I just got off the phone with him when I posted.

I just think it's facinating because 99% of the restorers believe overspray to be correct. When in fact, burn off is, which left paint residue up near the heavier portion of the metal by the heads.

Luckily I'm doing a 70 car this time around or I'd be highly tempted to do it right.