Original Engine & Engine Colors - Color Chart Updated Feb 26, 2026

[Jason Edge]

In the Nov/Dec 2012 Newsletter, I included an updated list of original engine part colors that I had put together from my experience over the years and reorganized into a table format. I have saved as a PDF file and uploaded to our website which you can now access, save and print by clicking on this link: Original Engine & Engine Bay Colors Hopefully this will help some of you in your restoration of your 390 & 429 engines. Jason. Pictures from original parts pulled from 64 Cadillac with 98K miles:

[Jason Edge]

I have updated the  paint color list reference in main post at top to include a brief description on engine bay sheen other than the engine.   I also added a couple other items. I will do an extensive update of this help page later but wanted to add something about engine bay as I am often asked that question. Here is direct link to that cheat sheet:  Original Engine & Engine Bay Colors

[Phillip Hill]

I use POR 15 chassis black a very good quality product you can brush it on an it self levels,very durable won’t chip check it out 

[Jason Edge]

ADDENDUM ADDED Feb 27, 2025 for Under Hood Black Painted Items (will update further later):

use Rustoleum Semi-Gloss Black Engine Paint on wide expanses such as firewall, under hood, and inner fender, Radiator Support (maybe gloss on the top side?).

If I want to really makes something pop, like the air cleaner assembly, valve covers, etc., I use the Rustoleum Clear Engine Paint.

I also always use Rustoleum Engine Primer Grey before top coating.

Rustoleum has been switching over their engine paints and I still have a lot of the older stuff as I buy by the case but have used some of the newer "ceramic" based paints with no issue. 

Here is a quick cheat sheet of part numbers:

ENGINE GLOSS BLACK: old # 248932 - new # 363567
ENGINE SEMI-GLOSS BLACK: old # 248936 - new # --> do not see one listed
ENGINE CLEAR: old #248944 - new # 363 572
ENGINE PRIMER: old # 249410 - new # 363573

Also, I have used the 2000 degree high heat primers and paints as I have found it on sale. It seems to be ok, however nothing has seemed to go on as smoothly as the original 248923 gloss black 500 degree paint. I will try the newer ceramic versions as I deplete my old paint inventory.

Also, there are "Satin' versions of the engine black paints. Those would be OK but would have a duller appearance. My best guess, looking through 60+ years of weather, oxidation and aging, is that even the large expanses like the under hood and firewall areas were more of an semi-glass than a duller satin finish.