Engine colors
 

I have a '65 289 and am doing a complete teardown and rebuild. While I have the engine out and everything off of it I am going to clean and clean and clean... you get the idea, but anyways, I want to paint everything to get it looking as good as possible. Aside from the valve covers and air filter top, I'm really not that big of a fan of chrome, it just wouldn't go with the rest of my car, I want to paint everything back to, or very close to, original. The problem is I haven't been able to find any 60 year old guys that have good enough memeories to help me out. I'm pretty sure the block, heads, maybe the oil pan, and maybe the power steering resevoir, were all ford blue but I'm not exactly sure. I'm also not real sure about what all was painted and what wasn't, and what can and can't be (fan, pulleys, water pump, alternator brackets, power steering pump... and so on). If someone could point me in the direction of a list, or a paint/parts chart, or even some pictures that show a very close to original motor that would be great.

Re: Engine colors
 

Well I'm not quite 60 yet. But, I do remember and know what color your 65 Mustang 289 should be.

Blocks, Heads and Intake--Black
Valve covers and Air Cleaner Gold

Blue wasn't used till 1966.

Hope this helps, from an "almost" old guy.

Re: Engine colors
 

In 65 the 289 block and intake were painted black. The valve covers and air cleaner were gold. I painted mine black and accented with black crinkle Cobra valve covers and the matching Cobra oval air cleaner. Starting in 1966 everything became Ford Blue.

Re: Engine colors
 

Thanks for the help guys. That picture is a good looking engine. That's a lot like what I want to head towards. I was also wondering if the block and heads need primer. They are getting a good cleaning bath right now so they will be ready for paint but I wasn't sure if they even made a high temp primer or if it even has to be done.

Re: Engine colors
 

Mine came back from the machine shop painted Ford Blue but clean. I stripped it with a wire brush on a drill and painted it directly on the bare block. I have never used a primer on an engine block before. Just make sure it is really clean. I wipe down with enamel reducer a couple of times before painting, and put 2 or 3 good coats down and let sit for 24 hours before doing anything else.

Re: Engine colors
 

A friend of mine pulled the engine and trans to detail out the engine bay. He painted the engine bay black as usual. To be a bit different he painted the engine block and heads the same color as the car. It looks sharp and something you may want to think about.

Re: Engine colors
 

No need for primer, just do as previously posted and make sure the engine is clean when u paint it. Get some good coats on there and you should be good to go.
Ryan

Re: Engine colors
 

I have some pictures of my engine if you would like to see them as a guide.