In the process of painting a bunch of parts (steel valve covers, intake, timing cover, water pump, etc.). At the parts store today I discovered that there were both "Chevy Orange" and "Chevy Orange/Red" colors available - same brand of paint.   Hmmm.... Turns out the parts I've painted so far I used the Orange/red and that is what I will continue to use, but just wanted to find out if that's right.  I have no interest in doing an NCRS resto, just curious to see what the correct color for a '76 L-48 is.  I like the color of the orange/red, but I'm guessing I should have used the straight orange.  

Either is fine for your application. The "orange/red" seems to be more of a "modern" Chevy orange than original. It is definitely more of a red color. The regular Chevy orange usually sprays on with a reddish tint, but will dry to a more orange color, and turn even lighter over time. Seems like the "Orange/red" color keeps the same tint over time, compared to the plain orange. For a full bore resto, you would want the Chebby orange. Of course, if you were doing a "correct" resto, you would have the engine out, on a stand, and paint all of it at the same time, and make sure there were runs in it, and very little paint on the bottom area!

Thanks for the info, Joel.  Love that historical stuff.  How did I guess you'd be the one to reply????  daveo762010-09-14 21:19:39

what year Chevy's were originally painted blue?

I am not positive but confident the color change was in 1977

Mine was originally blue but went to Chebby Orange as LukesVette transformed...

My white 80 is stock blue, the red 80 is "Stroker" Red!

I think the '77 model year could have had either color engine, depending on the build date. The '82 engines were mostly black, but not all of them were....just to add some trivia to the mix...

Good information Joel. You helped a person that needs help. Great man. :D