1:1 info? Bell housing and trans.

[Kit Basher]

Most models I see of '60s-'70s cars have the bell housing and trans painted to look like "natural" aluminum. Is this correct, or were they steel or iron and painted? Thanks!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Really depends on the specific car. Bellhousings on automatic transmissions were mostly cast as a unit with the gearbox housing, and were usually left in bare aluminum. Manual transmissions usually had separate bellhousings, sometimes cast iron, and were often painted the same color as the engine and gearbox.

Hot-rodded automatic transmissions were often painted the signature color of the builder, like the red on B&M products.

Only way to know what's right for the particular setup you're working on is to do image-searches of restored or original cars like you're working on.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Kit Basher]

Thanks, Bill. That is an area that is sometimes hard to find images of. I will keep looking. I appreciate your feedback.

[Ace-Garageguy]

A lot of guys have recommended looking on Ebay for listings of cars for sale. Often, there are multiple good photos of the undersides, interiors, engine bays, etc.

Doing a search of the car you need info on, and then clicking the link to go to the page the photo appears on can yield good results, even if the main image displayed by Google doesn't have what you need. Here's a bunch of photos of a Corvette, with enough of an underside shot to determine the bellhousing is painted. http://www.prestigemotorcar.com/web/used/Chevrolet-Corvette-1965-Clifton-Park-New-York/2033406/

Edited January 18, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Kit Basher]

You're right, I have done the Ebay thing and it frequently helps a lot. I've also done as you suggested and clicked links of photos and had good success.

Unfortunately, my most recent research (1970 Dodge Challenger) was less successful. That's why I was wondering if there was a more generic answer. Obviously, there is not. Thanks again for your info and response!

[gtx6970]

On Mopars.

Manual trans applications the bellhsg is on the engine when it gets painted,,so will have some paint on the bell,,,the amount of paint varies from just a touch to fully covered with engine paint.

All manual trans were bare cast iron

All auto trans were bare cast aluminum from the bell hsg ( non removalbe like on some cars ) to the tail shaft . The auto trans pan is/was a natural steel color

[Kit Basher]

Hey, thanks Bill A. This is a manual so I will paint engine and bell, and iron for the trans. (With maybe a little rust ) Thanks again!