Small Block Spark Plug Wire Retainers Painted Black?

[68camaroz28]

Working to finalize items on our 68Z motor (paint scheme) and noticed from my old supply of parts I had two original spark plug wire retainers that were painted black. I believe both of these to be original but not sure what small block they might have come off of. Were these or certain years painted black? They seem like they might have been dipped???

[firstgenaddict]

IF they were painted they most surely would have been dipped.
That would be in prior to the trip to be "dipped" in the rubber, or what ever material it is which actually holds the wires.
ALSO if they were not indexed correctly for the "dip" there were other steps in regards to the indexing. 

[JohnKY]

Considering the painting process for the 302 (the intake and rocker covers were masked with plastic shields), my guess is that the retainers would remain black with maybe some orange over spray on the very outside edges and underneath.

[68camaroz28]

Considering the painting process for the 302 (the intake and rocker covers were masked with plastic shields), my guess is that the retainers would remain black with maybe some orange over spray on the very outside edges and underneath.

The question John is were they dip painted black or natural from the factory? Even if it was any hyd. motor the retainer that goes inside would protect the black from being sprayed orange. But your comment is 100% correct.

James, anybody, have you seen this on other cars, i.e. these looms painted black? I'm detailing our finished motor and trying to determine what is correct.....

[JohnZ]

My '69 Z/28 has all four of its original plug wire retainers, and they're natural (unpainted) with the ends dipped in black vinyl or plastic; they were apparently shielded from orange paint by the plastic mask used on the aluminum valve covers.

[68camaroz28]

My '69 Z/28 has all four of its original plug wire retainers, and they're natural (unpainted) with the ends dipped in black vinyl or plastic; they were apparently shielded from orange paint by the plastic mask used on the aluminum valve covers.

Thanks John for the info. The two pictured came out of a old group of parts & did not come off our Z (either a 327/300 or 350/300) but that black paint surprised me and seemed odd.

[KurtS]

Those clearly were painted then dipped.
The part finish may have changed over the years or it could be a supplier difference (which would be unusual since the finish would be on the print).

[abiddle]

reviving an old thread which has great pics. I've seen the old day 0 pic of the Nova L48 engine with the wire retainers painted orange. Is it possible the wire retainers on a Z28 would retain the original black paint, and the wire retainers on an L48 with painted valve covers would be painted orange. Asked a different way, were the wire retainers on the engine when the engine was painted for an L48?

And I'm missing the driver side retainer, could anyone suggest a decent reproduction?

Thanks - Andy

[abiddle]

I'm confused on this topic. I read this thread and believe the valve cover hold downs should be painted orange on an L48, but the wire retainers should not be painted with the engine.

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=2946.msg18945#msg18945

But then I keep seeing this day 0 nova L48 pic used as a reference. This shows the retainers painted orange with the engine.

Thanks - Andy

[BillG]

My understanding has been, the wire retainers were on the engine prior to painting... on the L48.  So, they got painted orange along with the rest of the engine.

[68camaroz28]

I'm confused on this topic. I read this thread and believe the valve cover hold downs should be painted orange on an L48, but the wire retainers should not be painted with the engine.

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=2946.msg18945#msg18945

But then I keep seeing this day 0 nova L48 pic used as a reference. This shows the retainers painted orange with the engine.

Thanks - Andy

Andy, that might have been one of the few times John misspoke and it was a old post. I'm sure they were on the engine at the engine plant since so many engines had them painted. Considering alum intake small blocks, on both the 68Z & 69Z showcased in "original cars and details" their wire retainers attached to the valve covers are bare steel with the rubber looking dipped ends. We just double checked on that!