1940 grey engine paint

[Charles2]

Just how dark is the "grey" paint that was used on the 1940 engines? I have stripped the engine sheet metal on my car down to the bottom layer and it looks pretty near black to me. And, the paint from the block looks black too, what's left of it. I don't think the engine has been out of the car since it was new so I'm pretty sure the remaining paint is original. What I am hoping for is to find a close match in NAPA engine enamel spray cans rather than buying a quart that has to be put on with a spray gun. Any advice? Thanks!

[The Old Guy]

I think you may be seeing a base coat, as the proper grey is a "battleship grey" .It is about like the darker of the two greys showing on the screen for the title blocks

[Charles2]

Thanks Joe! Ford used a "battleship grey" on their early 80's engines. I think that would be a fairly close match to the Buick color and it comes in spray cans.

[gdmn852]

Hello Buick had a engine replacement program in the early postwar period,most of them were painted black ,  or as you mentioned it’s the base color you are seeing. If it’s a 1948 or later engine ,there will be four holes about a foot back from front on both sides of block for later type engine mounts .Buick engines are quite impressive with the valve cover that says Buick fireball  dynaflash on them .