1952-59 Ford '55 engine detailing

Does anyone have a simple engine detailing guide for the '55 272? The radiator, fan, and pulley are off my 55 right now and have easy access to the engine. Figured I would squirt a little paint on the engine while it's easy to get to. The PO had cleaned up and primed the fan blade and a few other parts. Is there a paint color I should look for at the local parts house for the engine like Ford Red?, is the crossover neutral or silver. Not trying to restore to specs, but would like to clean it all up when I've got my hands on it. Thanks

 

Here's a pic of the engine.

 

Dual exhaust became available in '55,why not eliminate the crossover and go dual exhaust,maybe dragonknucks can help you out as He is going thru a h***le using 55-56 dual manifolds on a '54.You may even pickup a couple MPG to cruise with,and with pump prices on the rise it's something to think about.

 

If not I might have a pair of dual exhaust manifolds around here some place .

Jim

 

Yeah, unless you're really fond of that "arm burner" exhaust X-over you might go with the dual manifolds. I think I've got a set or two of EDB manifolds someplace too, if Jim or nobody else has a pair.

I got a Merc 292 in my '56 Ford and tried to keep it as close to stock Mercury color - greenish-gold with cream valve covers as possible but wasn't intent on an exact match. So unless you want a perfect color match you should be good with an off the shelf engine color.

Just my opinion & of course it's a matter of personal preference.

Ron

 

Was the 55 engine Ford red with silver valve covers? Thats what this one is now but may have black valve covers under the silver. The duals sound like a possibility.

 

The rocker covers should be black.

I think in '55 it would be ford red, I think*.

 

A lot of the engine brackets were black, as well as the fan and pulleys. Valve covers black, engine Ford red (Bill Hirsch has the right red).

 

Where does the coil mount originally? Bought a service manual on Ebay last night to hopefully help get this '55 back together. Picked it up for $18.50 or so plus shipping.

 

Coil usually mounted on the rear right (p***enger side) of the intake.

 

Yeah, there are stanchions for it on the intake itself, you can't miss'em