The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How to detail my 68 327 engine bay to stock?

I've posted this topic on chevytalk but they seem more interested in hi-po discussion over there. I thought I might catch a few purists here.

I've got the original, numbers-matching low mileage 68 327 engine out of my C/10 and I getting ready to have a stock refurb/rebuild done on it.
What are the little things I can do to make sure this engine appears as original as possible while I have it disassembled? What kind of a gasket set should I specify to the machine shop? Should I stick with true GM Parts or are there some other good reproduction gasket sets out there?

What do show judges look for when judging a stock engine compartment?

At what point should I paint the engine? It looks to me that this engine was just sprayed down at the factory with the heads, intake manifold, valve covers, and oil pan installed. I don't think it's been painted since it was new. Should I replicate this type of paint scheme?

Is it possible to over-finish when painting the engine if you are going stock? Obviously these motors weren't painstakingly painted at the factory.

Where's the best place to buy good show-quality reproduction heater-coolant hoses, vacuum lines, smog hoses, engine decals and such?

I really want to detail this thing up nice to factory stock yet not over-do it.

Thanks, Tom Hopkins

I would check into lmctruck.com they have a free catalog that they'll send you for your truck. It has all kinds of restoration parts in it. Even things like factory decals for the engine bay, glove box, air cleaner and just about any thing else that you could think of. Basically it has almost every piece of your truck in the catalog and it's all production stuff.

For sure you got a Service Manual right? Yah need too look at all the literature yah can. Hang out at Barnes & Noble go to the liberay. Gm's got them packets that they send out if you send them your VIN. Call Jim Carters 800 number I know it says they wont answer tech questions at that number but they've always answered mine. Is this gonna be a driver or a Carlyle?
Adios, Kip

Thanks for the leads guys.

Yes, I have a lot of 68 materials including the resto pack that Chevy gives out as well as the service/overhaul manuals. My truck's engine bay is very complete and untouched right down to the smog pump. My engine looked exactly like one shown in a 68 truck brochure I have before I took it out.

The main question I have now is when is the most "correct" time to paint the block? When it's in pieces or after it's been assembled with covers and all like it appears to have been at the factory?

I don't plan on bringing it to any national shows but I would like it to look good in one of our regional show's stock class some day. I know they can get really nit picky with stock class vehicles. I don't really know what a judge will be looking for under the hood.

My truck's been retired from daily driving for a few years now.

Someone posted on the Stovebolt lounge a picture of a beautifully detailed (30's or 40's?) I6 before it had been installed in his truck a couple of months ago. Who was that? That was drop-dead georgous!

Only part of your question I can answer is the gasket set. Go with the Felpro brand, you can't go wrong there.

One of the nicest detailed engines I've seen pix of on here was Rugos I don't remember if it was a 216 or 235. You might want to contact him. I say raddle can the engine right before you drop it back into the truck. And I bet you $10 no matter how hard you try you WILL get a few scratches either in the engine compartment or on the engine itself when putting everything back together. BTW '68 my 2nd favorite CST. Small window is my first. Love those slant nose! I want to also add this there are complete gasket kits and then there are some of the better quaility gaskets sold seperate. Research.
Adios, Kip

tom68cst, check out the VCAA Judging Manual . It details everything the judges look for in stock vehicles. Engine paint is not that critical in the judging as long as it is the correct color. They place more importance on the "correct" parts being used like, hoses, belts, hose clamps, batteries, spark plug wires, radiator, etc. If your's is already number-matched, then that's a big part of the battle.

I would paint the engine after assembly. Even if you paint some parts before assembly, they will likely get scratched, or messed up with gasket sealant, etc. Plus, it's much easier to keep paint off of the head and block surfaces if the enging is assembled. To paint my engine , I installed the heads, valve covers, timing chain cover, oil pan, and intake manifold. I then masked those areas where I didn't want paint (crank shaft, manifold and carburetor ports, etc.).

I painted everthing else that attaches to the engine individually, then attached them before installing the engine. Worked for me.

I know that some engine compartment items on Maych are not correct, but I thought I would enter him in some shows and let the judges tell me what items need attention.

Good luck with your 68. Glad you're going stock. Like you said, not many of us with this vintage are going that direction.

Would highly recommend Classic Industries catalog. Got mine a couple of years ago when they were giving them away but charge for them now. $5 U.S.- $8 Canadian. Most comprehensive catalog I have seen covering 1947-2001 trucks with over 500 pages and quality photos of most parts. Loaded with the "authentic" looking items you are looking for.

classicindustries.com or 1-800-854-1280 Ext 5210

Bruce

Their catalog is now $8.00 but you can download it for free from their web site. Be warned, it will take a long time if you're on a modem, but you save the $8.00.

Thanks everyone. That's exactly the information I was looking for.

Tom,

I also have a matching numbers 71 similar to your 68. My engine's at the machine shop right now. I am going to paint it with high temp engine paint from hirsh auto before the final assembly so the gaskets lines show...

For other detailing items I refer to my factory literature, data books, etc; buy my parts like nuts & bolts, heater hose from a good chevelle or corvette resto shop like Year One. None of the truck catalogs have this stuff to the best of my knowledge.

Hope this helps...Tom O.