I'm sure black paint has been used to hide some problems, but semigloss black is a hot rodding classic. It's cheap, easy to match in assorted varieties and brands, and simple to apply. I use semigloss black as a default for brackets, suspension pieces, etc.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

You can still paint the block with it in the car, just takes a little work & preperation. I like using a car paint with a spray gun, it makes for a very good looking job and will last like no other. Even keeps its shine after a lot of washings if the engine ever gets oily and needs sprayed down with a heavy cleaner. As a matter fact it makes keeping them clean much easier because the paint is sealed so good oil and things wash off easier. After preparing things to paint I take Lacor thinner and spray the parts off right before I paint, this helps the paint to stick very good. I have had engines painted this way that ten years latter they still look close to as good as the day I painted them. I think it was a type of poly urathen that I used. Enamel or other types didnt work as well. Not sure what a base clear would do but I did add a hardner to the piant I used. A dark red or a orange turns out looking sweat when dont like this. It cost a bit more than spray bombs but it last so good its worth it if you wish to have this level of detail.


Jess

Under a pile of burnt orange and white defensive linemen?

<grinning, ducking, and running....>

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There were definitely black slants in the 80s, right near the end. I had one of those once.

Mopar definitely got creative with engine colors back in the day. For v8s there was gold and silver in the 50s, turquoise, red, and two different orange shades in the 60s, blue in the 70s, red, blue, silver, and yellow slant sixes. Then everything turned black in the 80s, except for a few engines with Viper Red trim on black blocks in the 90s.

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Crimson and Cream...

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.