I would have to say the bellhousing was painted the same as the engine block. It is my understanding that the engines were mostly assembled and then spray painted. So I assume the flywheel and clutch were installed, and if the bellhousing were not on, the paint might interfere with the clutch mechanism. At least that is my theory, and I have heard from others that the bell housing was painted. And before I rebuilt my engine, there were traces of gray paint on the bell housing and the shield under it. And I do not think the engine had been overhauled and repainted, but I could be wrong.