71MonteCarloMD Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 My water pump shows surface rust as I am tempted to pull it out, resurface it and replace gasket while I have radiator out. I am wondering what's the correct color of water pump for 350 as I seen it painted Chevy orange or natural cast iron? I am looking at this one: -Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ado-252-592/overview/year/1971/make/chevrolet/model/monte-carlo -Advanced Auto: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/acdelco-water-pump-g3000584294acd/11526218-P?searchTerm=water+pump#fragment-1 Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam (Bones) Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 orange Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCfan Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 Personally, I would paint it to match the engine. I can't tell from your photo if your engine block is painted or what color it is. Looks like your water pump is not original - Is it leaking or are you thinking preventative replacement? You could easily pull the pulley and brackets off, mask the mating surface for the hub, degrease it and paint it in place. I would also paint the alternator bracket, fan pulley and power steering pump and brackets semi-gloss black while I have easy access to them. Of course, if you freshen up all that stuff, you might start a snowball that will eventually involve the whole engine compartment. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 I got the one from advanced. I made sure it was new not rebuilt. Fit perfect and haven't had a problem with it, I painted it chevy orange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 When I worked for DuPont automotive finishes, I looked into Chevy "engine" orange. I was told by an expert that the color of engine enamel was not controlled as closely as a class "A" surface. In the early 1970's lead was removed from paint, causing the final color to change and also cost more to get to the same color. As a result, Chevy Orange, as we knew it became a bit more of a reddish orange. Chevrolet probably didn't care what it looked like as long as it didn't coast anymore. When I opened the hood of my new 1971 350, I noticed the engine was not the same color I remembered Chevy engines being painted in the 1960's. Hey, at least they didn't paint them blue or something! :-) When I rebuilt my engine in the 1980's I loaded the paint using an old refinish formula that was the bright orange I wanted. It did NOT match the old color at all. picture from 1983 Sorry, way more than you wanted..................... Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangeba Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 I also just sent a message to my old boss from DuPont to make sure I explained this correctly. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted May 1, 2017 Share Posted May 1, 2017 Mine looks purdy next to my dirty old engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leghome Posted May 2, 2017 Share Posted May 2, 2017 I used POR 15 engine paint on mine and it cleans up real easy, has a nice shine and really looks good when cleaned up. The POR 15 flows out nicely using a brush for application Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71MonteCarloMD Posted May 2, 2017 Author Share Posted May 2, 2017 Dennis - it's more like saving the time of antifreeze being drained out as I do not see any leak around the water pump. From your advice, I will leave it as it is for now and paint it with POR 15 Chevy Orange after I put my front end back together as I miss driving it - it's been a year since I last drove it. FYI - my engine shows some orange paint but are peeling away as I assume from previous owner's rebuilding or it may be the original paint? Sam, Bruce, Steve and Larry - thanks for sharing information! Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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