Engine block color?

[66andBlue]

While the engine and transmission are out I am planning to spruce up its appearance. Nothing major, such as CAD plating etc (since the budget is already stretched   ), but polishing and spray painting.
The engine block needs the most attention and I was wondering what color to choose? Any suggestions, or  pictures of a properly restored engine are most welcome. Thanks!

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Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello Alfred,

The original color was a "low sheen" black. Semi-gloss black is very close and will look good. Please take some time to get rid of those red water hoses! Some original Mercedes black hoses and original style hose clamps would be a nice addition while the engine is out.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by ja17

... Please take some time to get rid of those red water hoses! Some original Mercedes black hoses and original style hose clamps would be a nice addition while the engine is out.

Thanks Joe.
Yup, those red water hoses! I couldn't look at them any longer without cringing. All hoses, mounts and the timing chain will be replaced. But here is a question about clamps. I would like to get NORMA clamps but they are not cheap. It appears that McMaster-Carr sells similar style stainless steel  'Miniature Bolt Hose and Tube Clamps' P/N 53175K21, at a good price. Perhaps they are NORMA clamps? Have you used those?
It sure adds up [:0]

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[rwmastel]

Alfred,

I think "Norma" was a brand name of clamp.  Read some of these threads.
http://index.php?topic=4802
http://index.php?topic=1461
http://index.php?topic=987

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

Norma clamps are just a close approximation to the originals. The originals are "Gemi" and are made in Sweden. They are also still available, but hard to get.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[ja17]

Good research Alfred,

I noticed these also and have used them. I think these clamps may be nearly exact. The price is right and you can get them at a good price even in stainless steel. The hard part is selecting the correct diameters.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[66andBlue]

Rodd,
thanks for the links. Yes, I had seen these before and I have considered the original cotter pin-style clamps (5 of them were actually still on the car) but the price is not in my budget. That is why I looked at the NORMA clamp.
Douglas and Joe,
I am attaching a picture comparing the Norma/Rasmussen-made clamps and the ones sold by McMaster. They look slightly different but, as you wrote Joe, the McMaster is very close and if I cannot get a better price on the Norma then I'll buy those.  One thing for sure, I'll not use the worm-style clamps that are on now!

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Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[kbailey]

I have had mine done to original specs. Black with silver. I expect to continue driving mine daily .  The 280 was not built as a showmobile, but was great looking for its pure function and intentional power plant upgrades from earlier siblings[:p].  (The red hoses did make me squint :x .)  But take that from a guy who is sitting on a seat with a 2x4 under it because I'm getting ready to fix the broken bracket...[:0]  If we didn't have something to look forward to, we'd have new cars and nothing to talk about .

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KBailey
69 280SL Cream
Black Interior
Dallas