The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 54 chevy 235 intake and exhaust color

I searched the forums and didn't find an answer.

What color was the intake and exhaust manifolds painted on a 54 3100 Chevy 235?

I have seem many variations but it looks like the intake was either engine gray or silver and the exhaust was left natural.

I think I may do my intake in silver and the exhaust flat black since I lkike the look.

Also was the Chevrolet script on the valve cover ever painted a different color? Like yellow or white.

The intake and exhaust manifold were always painted the same color as the engine. The paint on the exhaust manifold usually burns off pretty fast.

It's your truck, so paint as you want. However, if you want to look "original," here is some info ...

> Stovebolt thread with similar question and answers.

Painted engines on 1947 engine line from "Pictorial History of Chevrolet 1940-54" posted by Pre '68 Dave (in the thread)
> 1947 Assembly Line
> Close up #1
> Close up #2

> Tim Lederman's recap of engine paint.

> 1954 engine shown in "1954 TRUCK ENGINEERING FEATURES"

The Chevrolet script on the top of the valve cover was painted the same as the valve cover.

> Location of '54 valve cover decal

As Don noted, intake and exhaust manifolds were painted the same color as the engine. Exhaust paint burned off as the engine was run.
> I use Calyx on my exhaust manifold.

Here is the 235 in my '54 3104. Not saying that it's a faithful reproduction, but I tried.
> Passenger side
> Drivers side and manifolds
> Drivers side high

Thanks for the detailed reply. Very helpful.

So far I have everything painted gray except for the intake and exhaust. After I fix the broken stud on the intake today I will paint it.

Looks like my road draft tube should have been black.

Maybe I will get some Calyx for the exhaust. Not sure about the hold downs for the intake and exhaust.

Your engine looks great.

Rick

I would not use Calyx anymore,I gave it a shot on my 235 thats in my 52-3100 and every year you have to redo it.Tooth brush and tring to get in all the tight places. I'm using Por15 manifold grey on my 53 GMC build and it looks great.

Pete

eastwood has a do it yourself ceramic coating that works pretty good for the exhaust. It may not be original, which is rust. But there it is.

One of the good things about the Por15 is it drys like paint and you don't have to cook in a oven,it sets itself the first time you run the engine.


Pete

We can't buy POR15 Manifold paint in Southern CA since it does not meet the local environmental restrictions. It can be bought just north of LA however.

The best paint to use on the exhaust manifold would be stove paint,The stuff they use to paint wood burning stoves,It goes on nice and when you fire it up,it has a great look to it! Home Depot maybe or other big box stores. And it lasts for a long time and looks clean!