Ford V8 Engine Color? Ford Gearbox Color?

[Sean Dunnage]

Can anyone tell me what colour the engine block of a 1940 Ford F30 V8 would be.

Thanks
Sean
sdunnage@rogers.com

[Jim Price]

Sean,
I found the following on this site:http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...85to100mid.htm

"As for original paint colors, the Ford and Mercury engines through 1940 were a dark green. Ford cars continued the color until 1942. Mercury engine had a dark blue color from 1941 thru 1948. Postwar Ford engines were dark blue thru 1948. Ford truck engines were generally the same as Ford cars during the years of this group. "

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Jim

PS You can get this green paint from Mac's or on eBay

[Sean Dunnage]

Thanks Jim I appreciate the quick reply and the help.

Sean

[Keith Webb]

The subject of colours (even how the word is spelled) is a vexed one.

All I can add to the discussion is what I have observed over some 40 years of involvement including stripping many sidevalve V8s for rebuilding in the 70s.

I've seen ex-military ones painted Khaki over black, and I have seen those painted khaki without another colour underneath. If you look at some of the Ford factory pictures of CMPs being assembled you'll see they were vehicle colour, with engine accessories such as starter, generator, conduits, oil filler pipe, carb and breather air cleaners painted black.

All this leads me to believe there is no single 'correct' answer.

I wonder whether the dark green was for US or non-military production.

[Mike Timoshyk]

rusty brown on top....some black smudges 'n black 'n dirty underneith

cheers

Mike

[Tony Smith]

And note too that references like Van Pelt's site are for US Civillan vehicles, which may or may not have relevance to Canadian Military practices, or even Cdn Ford in general. We know for certainty that there are many differences between particular year production between US Civvy trucks and CMPs.

[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,