Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

I've searched this forum for a while trying to find little details on factory restoration but I haven't found anything. I know there is a thread for 60-66 trucks but not 67-72.

The question: What are the little details (overspray, finishes, bolt types) that you've found consistent on these old trucks from the factory??

I thought it would be helpful for someone who wants to restore a truck to look factory "correct" if there was a place to compile all of these details and maybe ways that you've found to replicate some of the original details on your truck.

Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

I'll start. Idk how accurate this is but if I were to restore an engine compartment to factory I would probably start here

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True, I'm pretty sure the transmission is supposed to be silver. But you can see some nice details in the picture on the fuel pump and pulleys. Not 100% accurate but definitely a good start

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The exhaust manifolds are for 73 and up trucks. 72 down had ram horns. Nice clean picture though.;):chevy:

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Don't ever remember the exhaust manifolds being painted - they were bare cast. Also, I believe they should be ram horns for our 67-72's and the wires run down the back of the block and underneath the manifolds. That photo also bothers me in another way. All the old small blocks I have had have the dipstick on the driver's side. Didn't think they started pass side until about 1980? Guess I was a little slow on the manifolds - Andy beat me to it while I was typing.

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The point of this thread is to capitalize on the forgotten details that our trucks came with but were forgotten over time. I'll delete that picture if its inaccurate, let's not loose focus here
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Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

Were not losing focus, we are trying to focus on what you want. Details that make are break a restoration.

The picture just isn't peroid correct for our style truck. So if the person looking for help in his build see's this and assumes it correct they will be very upset when they findout it's not. Just saying...it is a nice color picture though of a small block Chevy engine.;):chevy:

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Andy, I am seeing a blown up picture of a Big Block chevy. The only small blocks are the multicolor cartoons at the bottom. It's correct as far as exhaust manifolds. ;) Trevor

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With all due respect Andy, the picture is correct - the engine picturedd is a 402 big block.
JQ

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Are you sure? I think those look right for big blocks. Of course the colors are all wrong, but the manifolds look like my '70s originals. [Edit: Just saw I was the third person to say that, sorry!]

In my teardown I didn't find much in the way of chalk marks on the firewall, I'd be curious to see what anyone has for photos of originals that still carried them. Unless the assembly line process was different enough from the cars that they didn't use them.

I'm not aiming for Pebble Beach style correctness, but still trying to make it look stock. So I use shiny bolts where they would have been painted and so on, so don't panic when you see the photo, I'm not claiming its 100%. Still, to me one of the biggest things in keeping the engine looking original are:

1) Correct paint sheens. Most black things underhood are 20% gloss, but the radiator is different (high gloss) and so on
2) Correct clamps and hose fittings and so on
3) Clean everything (check out my clutch fan in the pic below, it was seriously ugly, and that's just a lot of time with a toothbrush)
4) Correct stickers
5) Correct plug wires, correct distributor cap (not HEI), looms, etc. Mine are even Packard wires, though not date coded (I'm not that hardcore)

...and a personal peeve, but one of the most important:

6) If they didn't make or use it in 1970, don't use it. That means no zip ties, as handy as they are. No corrugated plastic wire covers, yellow 10mm plug wires, and so on.

Although not always correct, I'm a big fan of "contrast". That means different colors on different parts, different gloss levels, and so on. That's why my shocks are blue below (and because the original GM shocks I've seen were blue) and you'll see about 8 different finishes between the control arm and the spindle. From the factory it'd probably just be all black, but I'm into the variation.

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Well I stand corrected then if it's a BB. I'm not a BB guy so I can't say for sure.
Graham57a my apoligizes sir.;):chevy:

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Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

Easiest way other than the big valve covers (and not everyone knows it) is to look at the exhaust manifolds. Small blocks have the two center ports together, big blocks have four individual ports spaced evenly. Same for the intake, but not as easy to see.

Sort of how I sort out my first-gen Camaros:

1) 69s have the side fake air vents are different enough to spot easily
2) 67s have vent windows
3) 68s are everything else!

Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

Great info guys, Dave thank you for the pictures. Your motor is exactly what I would think it would've looked like off the assemble line. So would the manifolds be painted on a big block or would they be cast?

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Almost certainly just cast iron, but of course they rust in the first weeks. I used an Eastwood product, and POR-15 and others make similar. Haven't fired it yet, but from those I spoke to it'll stay looking like that for quite a while, and you can touch it up as needed.

I glass-beaded the heck out of them first to remove whatever rust I could, though a chemical dip in rust converter might have worked better. I also blasted a ton of carbon out of the insides, which surprised me. Not that manifolds flow great even when new, but these were really loaded up!

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Great pointer, thanks. Anyone else have pointers, tips, or really cherry original trucks that we can refer to??

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Not a problem, I'm learning just as much if not more then anyone on here. No apology needed, thank you for your input:chevy:

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I sure wished I had, had this board back when I started my truck. Mine isn't a orignal by no means but it would have been nice to had all the info about it captured here.;):chevy:

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Dave how did you know what colors and finishes to paint everything on your motor and frame?
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Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

. . . .

The picture below, shows engines waiting to be installed in some "new" 1959 Chevys at the factory.

The exhaust manifolds were on the engine when it was painted.

Of course, it all burned off while being taken from the transporter to the dealers clean-up area !!!

. . . .

Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

. . . .

Here's a little detail that most people don't bother to do . . .

The cover over the driver's side exhaust manifold to add heat to the air cleaner was painted BLACK from the factory. ( as can be seen in the picture below, of the 350 engine in the 1970 pick up with 80 miles that was for sale a couple of years ago.)

I found some high temperature black paint for my restoration and it's staying on pretty good - so far !!!

This picture also shows that the black paint in the engine compartment was "glossier" then most people think too !!!

. . . .

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Great pictures thank you. Do you have any more pictures of that truck? I bet it was beautiful

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Interesting pic, a few things I notice that I would not have thought to be correct coming off the factory floor,

1. Hood hinges not painted
2. Hood latch assy not painted
3. Radiator hold downs not painted
4. Clamp at the base of the steering column not painted

On the upside, I do what appears to be factory writing on the firewall..

Re: Factory Correct Restoration Details
 

. . . .

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if those items had a "natural" finish.

The steering column and hood hinges especially.

I know that most of those items you mentioned would have been natural on a '70 Corvette.

Maybe someone else will post some pictures of an engine compartment when it WAS new.

The picture below, is the only other clear picture I have of the blue C-10 with 80 miles
. . . most of the others are just a screen save from the video that is no longer available.
It does show the rare "8 350" valve cover sticker that I'm going to have duplicated this winter for my truck.

. . . .