Engine Compartment Paint 68

[Highwayman68]

I tried to read through the search results for what the proper finish the engine compartment should be on a 68 and I didn't get anywhere so I am asking here. I want to clean up the engine compartment on my 68 which will require repainting many of the parts. I am wanting to keep it looking original. Is that a gloss finish or a satin finish or something else? Are spray cans from an auto parts store or Home Depot the same?

[cadillacmike68]

Most here will agree that Hirsch auto has the best Cadillac Dark Blue engine enamel, but it's pricey at $20.00 per can.

https://www.hirschauto.com/AEROSOL-ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EEA-SPRAY/CAD%20DK%20BLU/

[Highwayman68]

Sorry for not being more precise, I am asking about the black parts like radiator area, fenders, firewall and such.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Hopefully, you can get a response from an owner of
somebody who either has an original '68 or who knows
these cars well from an authenticity standpoint.

The parts you refer to on earlier cars (50's) were a
black satin (not flat) with inner fenders body color.
However later on either in the late 60's or early 70's
changed to a black semi gloss for inner fenders,
radiator support brackets, air cleaner, etc.  That's
how my '73 Eldorado is and I've owned it since new.

Eastwood has some very good rattle can paints for this
purpose.  I've used them and have been very satisfied:
https://search.eastwood.com/search?ts=custom&w=under%20hood%20paint

Mike

[Highwayman68]

Thanks Mike I have heard of Eastwood I will check with them. So I will ask for Semi-Gloss.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I went to my local paint supplier, and they mixed me up the correct colour, and cheaper than trying to import it.

Bruce.

[cadillacmike68]

I corrected the typo.

Eastwood had a good black underhood paint, but last I knew they did not have the Cadillac dark blue in a spray can.

The inner fenders are body color on 1968, but the wheel wells and core support, etc. are all satin / semi gloss black.

I know what the under hood is like from the factory on 1968-70. What I choose to do with mine may or may not match that exactly.

[DeVille68]

All inner fender I have seen are semi gloss black.
Here is an extraction from the Authenticity Manual for 68

Best regards,
Nicolas

AA. Engine Compartment Colors: (Category 15)
Firewall color: The firewall is painted semi-gloss black as it is completed before
the front end assembly or engine is installed.

Engine color: The proper engine color for all four years is "Cadillac Blue" on all
series. Also blue were: the engine block, heads, intake manifold, valve covers,
thermostat outlet, oil fill tube (1967 only), fuel pump, fuel filter (1968 only),
water pump and fittings, alternator bracket, harmonic balancer, and oil pan.
Engines were painted alter assembly; so many fasteners are also painted "Cadillac
Blue".

Semi-gloss black: Painted semi-gloss black were: power steering pump and
reservoir, power steering pulley and brackets, the radiator (special heat-repellent
paint) and core support, water pump pulley, A/C compressor pulley,
receiver/dryer, inner fenders (wheel house), heater motor, hood hinge springs,
underside of hood, battery tray and holddown, starter and solenoid, power antenna
motor, and horns.

Gloss black: Painted gloss black were the ignition coil, voltage regulator, horn
relay, and air cleaners, except for the lid on 1968-69.

Gold: Painted gold were the air cleaner covers on 1968-69s.

Natural: Left natural were the power brake hydraulic booster, master cylinders
(lids are copper colored on some), fuel lines, brake lines (both were never
copper), guide-matic sensor, alternator, antenna mast housing, windshield wiper
motor, fan spacer, cruise control power unit (1967-69s), and the transducer on the
1970. Carburetors are generally left natural, but usually look slightly goldcolored.

[Highwayman68]

Thanks Nicholas, this is exactly what I needed.

Where do I get a copy of that manual?

[DeVille68]

Where do I get a copy of that manual?

Through the official CLC Store!
https://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID=7782609

The manual is quite good, but a third edition would be needed because some things are obviously not correct or not mentioned. Most of the stuff inside can also be found in the shop manual, body manual, data book, and master parts catalogs.

Best regards,
Nicolas

[MikeLawson]

I've attached a few pictures of the engine compartment of my '67 to give you some idea of what is should look like. This is an unmolested, low mileage car and the engine compartment is pretty much all original. The firewall, inner fenders, core support, etc. have not been repainted. I was surprised to see how glossy the paint appears but it is original. The paint on the wheel sides of the inner fenders is just as nice and shiny and has never been touched. I hope this helps.

[Cape Cod Fleetwood]

Mark I'm on a budget, I've been using Rustoleum in spray cans, semi-gloss black, with no issues.
I did splurge on the proper blue from Hirsch.

[FINZ Editor New Zealand]

Hi Mark. I own a '68 Calais and my engine bay is pretty original and very presentable. It has had little painting done so it has the original gloss and satin colours.

Would you like me to take some pics and send to you or have you received enough by now?

Will you be doing any other authentication like radiator tag, replica R59 battery top, other tags etc.?

I'd be interested to see what you do/ how it turns out.

Kind regards, Ron Melville Editor FINZ Magazine, CLC NZ