Preparing my 403 Engine Bay.....Help Required

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
Whilst my engine is away been reassembled, I want to prepare the engine bay. What is the original colour of the engine panels, was it Matt, Gloss?
What others areas should I attend to while the area is empty? I would be interested in detailed pictures if anyone has any from restoration projects.

[Raymond]

The engine bay would originally have been light grey.
I understand from Google that it would have been Speedcote 2 French Grey (BS 3630).

Apparently following aircraft standards a quality enamel finish was the order of the day.!

I believe the engine block would have been the same colour and finish.

You ask what other areas need attention? I would take the opportunity to inject wax oil into any cavities. Rust is probably the biggest enemy of these cars; mechanical issues are generally easier to deal with but welding is often done quite badly because of limited access.

[David C]

I think my 403 still has original engine bay paint that is matte black. The engine block would have been a light green.

While the engine is out it would be a bit easier to get at the steering column to replace the rubber bulkhead boot if it hasn't already been changed. I think I bought one from BODA.

[Geoff Kingston]

I agree with David, I have owned two 403's and five 401's in the past, still have two of the latter and in all the engine bay finish was matte black.

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
Thanks for the replies, was the chassis painted black gloss / Matt, and the steering shaft was this also black.
Front suspension was this just unpainted and left as manufactured?

[mikebro]

My 403 engine compartment was a dull black. Someone told me that it was satin black rather than matte black, so that's what I used for my rebuild.

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
It seems the general opinion regarding the colour of the engine bay panels is SATIN BLACK.
Although I have seen other personal options for example Gloss Black, and also the same colour of the outer panels. I think i will go with Satin Black.....👍