I just bought a 51 Ford pickup. The V8 engine is painted "PURPLE". This can't be the right color. Does anyone know what color the engine was painted in 51.

Hi, I believe if it is the original 8BA, then it should be the rather unusual color of the Mercury V8 which is an aqua green-blue. I say this because I recently noticed this on my friend's very recent restoration of his '52 1/2 ton pickup and he said it is concourse judged correct and I believe he said it was the same for the '51 and the '53 flathead truck engine also. Passenger cars in '52 and '53 using the 8BA were an orangy-red color. Bill Hirsch www.hirschauto.com has this paint available in high temp engine enamel for brush or spraying. Contact him first to verify application. He is expert on this. I have bought it at C&G Early Ford Parts in Escondido, CA. in quart cans that is easily shipped via UPS www.cgfordparts.com . It is relatively close but not exact in the Alpine Green #EN-60 by Seymour as their "Hi-Tech Engine Coating" in 12 oz. aerosol spray cans being sold for Detroit Diesel Engine by several vendors. www.seymourpaint.com

Regards, Rich