1965 bell housing block off plate finish

[DRGT350]

Should the engine to bell housing block off plate for a 65 have black paint (engine color) or be a natural steel finish ?

[Bob Gaines]

Should the engine to bell housing block off plate for a 65 have black paint (engine color) or be a natural steel finish ?

It was installed and hanging loosely given the bellhousing in this case was not installed or painted. I don't believe there was directed intent to paint the plate and any paint would be the result of over spray from painting around the oil pan . There WAS directed intent to not paint a large section where the starter was installed so as to insure a good ground for the starter once installed.

[J_Speegle]

Would also add so that is not missed that the upper and side edges (visible once everything is installed and engine is in the car) of the plate received engine color also.

Though for a different application (66-up small block manual) and with about 10-20% of the paint removed during cleaning the picture below shows paint applied below the engine block surface down the plate and lesser (fad away) towards the bottom starter location to assure a good ground and operation of the starter. Also at the upper edges some of the blue is still visible on the ears and bumps where the plate does not match the rear engine block completely. Unfortunately this angle does not show the top and side edges as mentioned above

[DRGT350]

Thank you Jeff and Bob, and thanks for the picture!

Dave

[Greg]

Shouldn't a 65 be black.....

[Bob Gaines]

Shouldn't a 65 be black.....

Of course. They were typically done the same so a 66 up blue paint plate is just as good of a example.

[Greg]

Shouldn't a 65 be black.....

Of course. They were typically done the same so a 66 up blue paint plate is just as good of a example.

I wanted to point it out as the post was indicating a 65 and I didn't want someone to run with blue....

[J_Speegle]

Underlined and added "(66-up small block manual)" to help make it clear