Color-Matching Confusion
I am inquiring about engine paint. I would like to know how all these guys in the truck magazines paint their engine block and components the same color as the outside of their truck. I can find lots of premixed factory color engine enamels, but nobody in my city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, can tell me where I can obtain or how I can have the engine the same color as the body of my '50 Chevy truck. What kind of heat paint are they using? I'm frustrated to the max! Thanks, much appreciated.
Aaron
Via the Internet
Aaron, don't waste any more time searching for exotic heat paint! The majority of the engines you see in the magazines that are the same color as the exterior are just that-the "same" as the exterior, and by that, I mean the same exact paint. Frame-off projects usually get the whole nine yards beneath the sheetmetal, including drivetrain components. Like exterior body panels, engine blocks, transmissions, etc. all go through the same routine-prep, primer-sealer, and final paint-so that they do end up precisely matching the body color. Typically, the additional layers of paint increase the bonding characteristics, but not always...over time, heat and debris from normal use (oil, dirt, coolant) will take their toll. So, when you go back to the paint store, just ask them for the same color in whatever particular type of paint you're used to working with. Otherwise, you're stuck with whatever VHT (or similar) is currently offering!
Elusive Trim
Hi Rob, thanks for all the great advice. In your recent July issue on page 12 is a picture of a Chevy truck. I need the chrome strips that are on the front fender. Mine are dented and one fender is missing all of them. Can you help me with info on where I could get them?
Norm Hillsgrove
Alton, NH
Norm, believe it or not, I get asked that quite frequently, and each time I give the same answer-good luck! The stainless you're referring to was a factory option on 3105 DeLuxe Panels from 1948-54. Though many claim it was "only" an option for the panels, I've read that buyers could also order the trim package on other half-ton models as well. Regardless, the fact still remains-to date, no company sells or manufactures replacement fender trim, so we're relegated to searching the Internet, trade publications, and good old swap meets for originals. However, there are a few select individuals on the West Coast who have been repopping their own trim sets, but usually just do business through word of mouth, and on top of that, the pieces are quite pricey. Sorry I couldn't offer you more help.
Personal Reflection
In my young 60 years, I never thought I would be responding to a mag. But I guess you never know. Your July '07 "Getting Personal" was the talk of many years of "why?" at my place. I too had to sell my stock piles of items I thought dear to me. My wife of 36 years always wondered why I bought the stuff (as she called it) in the first place. After Vietnam my first car was a '69 Dodge Charger 383. That was sold in '70 after I got engaged. Rings cost money! Then there was a '64 Ford van, custom-dressed in the '70s fashion. That had to go too; baby coming. Then came a '64 Falcon, which was a sweet ride. A young man talked me out of that car. The wife helped with that sale-her thought was, we didn't need a second car as another baby was due soon. With kids and bills, the toys had to be put on the back burner. Oh, yeah, and I sold 100-plus AMT and Revell model cars and trucks from the '40s, '50s, and '60s.
Fast-forward: kids are finally gone; made a last home move in 2004; bought a '54 1/2-ton (kept it stock) and a '67 shortbed Fleetside (w/stock 396, two-speed auto, and 4.11 rear). Both had to go the last couple of years. The well went south and the garage foundation was damaged with the Michigan winters. Can you say BIG bucks? Both trucks paid the bills with a few dollars left over for a '66 Chevy Corvair coupe. I still have this car and am a member of the Detroit-area Corvair Club. Even a health setback didn't force a sale this time. The wife is warming up to this car-or just getting used to my having an old car or truck around. Who knows-next year I might get a '50s Chevy pick 'em up truck. You just never know. Keep up the great mag.
Ray Dubia
Via the Internet
The comforting thing is that when you look back at the main reason WHY you made those decisions to part with your toys-FAMILY-you know it was worth every bit of temporary pain you had to endure...and you'd do it all over again, wouldn't you?! I know I would. Toys can be replaced; family can't.