[Jacques Reed]

Good Day All,

I know this subject has been thrashed to bits but thought I would just add these photos and thoughts on the subject as a matter of interest and further discussion.

Recently while In the process of tearing down my 1943 F15-A parts truck I noticed the transmission was painted a blue-grey colour. I know the transmission is definitely the original 1943 transmission for that truck based on the s/n stamped on it and ARN records.

I also note that a spare truck/stationary engine PCV intake manifold I have is a similar light blue-grey colour and so is a spare '46 truck block likewise blue-grey underneath the overpainted light grey paint. I note too a number of similar engines of the era on the internet, including one on MLU last year still in the original crate, away from fading, are blue-grey in colour and not a dark blue colour.

I am also assuming the engine and transmission would be installed in the truck as a single unit at assembly so there would be a possibility the unit would be painted as a whole beforehand and not individually. If that is the case, and the transmission is blue-grey, it would follow the engine is likewise that colour. I noted no paint on the mating surfaces of the transmission and bell housing nor overspray inside the bell housing indicating the assemblies had been painted individually. Even if painted individually, it would make sense to use the same paint for both rather than use two colours.

Most web sites and paint suppliers specify a dark blue colour for Ford V8 engines of this era which I find a bit unusual for CMP vehicles even allowing for deteriorating of the colour over the years. A transmission is well covered from sunlight and weather and not as exposed to as much heat as the engine. To go from a dark blue to a uniform blue-grey just over time does not seem plausible- unless it's a "These pigments will self-destruct in 50 years time" situation. Apologies to Mission Impossible.
I have not found a small patch of dark blue paint anywhere on these and other parts in even the tinniest protected nook or cranny.

As others have mentioned most Flathead Ford info is US based so perhaps it is possible Ford Canada opted for a lighter blue-grey engine/transmission color?

Will be interested to hear other thoughts on the subject.

Cheers,