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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.....👍