Engine paint color

[Patriotprop]

I have a 1979 cbx need to know the engine paint color. Does anyone know a name brand paint brand that offers the color or a close match in a rattle can. Thanks for the help

[daves79x]

Try a search - there are volumes written here about the subject: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=7014&p=53124&hilit ... lor#p53124

Dave

[EMS]

I have used Evinrude Engine Silver. You can buy it in Marine and Boat stores, obviously.

[jnnngs]

Hi,

A related question.

The Oil Hose covers and left engine cover (over gearshift lever / mechanism) seem to be a different colour to the crank cases. Any idea on what colour / paint to use for these?

(I have searched the site and can't find any reference to these).

thanks,

Paul.

[EMS]

One of the reasons the colors seem to be different, is the difference in base material and the fact that the paint ages differently on these. I do not dare to give you a definite answer on this, as it seems you are working on a "105" point restoration for show purposes, but if you have a 79 (Z) model, the shifter (tranny) cover is magnesium (so is the alternator cover) and the the oil hose cover is stamped sheet metal on all models instead of aluminum.

[jnnngs]

No, not looking for the perfect restoration, just want it to look "original" (close enough - not perfect!).

So, they were originally painted the same colour then, and when re-painting people typically use the same colour as they are using for the crank cases / engine?

Paul.

[daves79x]

All the engine covers were the same color as the main cases - they don't get the heat of the head/block/crankcase and age differently.

Dave

[rsuarez]

Hello I am little confused on the covers. Mine (79) has a chromed valve cover, clutch cover and the hose plates (both). Alternator is natural.

Looking at pictures from 79's I see that at least the valve cover is the same gray as the engine. Is there a document that explains these changes for each year/model? I am not doing an original restoration but would like to understand.

Thanks.

Ramon

[EMS]

Any chrome cover is a custom job. No chrome covers from the factory. All aluminum covers had a matte paint finish with a protective clearcoat.
On the 1979 several engine covers ( alternator, shifter/tranny, countershaft sprocket) were magnesium. They had to be painted, because they oxidize quickly when left raw.
No basic difference in colors between 79 and 80. 81s and 82s had black engines and covers, except the valve cover, which was still aluminum color.

[rsuarez]

Thanks... like this for a 79?

[EMS]

Yes, that looks pretty much original. However, I cannot really tell from the picture whether the clutch cover is polished.(It may not be.)