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Thread: L6-161 L -head flathead 6 paint color

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  1. #1

    L6-161 L -head flathead 6 paint color

    Guys,

    I've got a rebuilt L6-161 that will go into a 1950 Jeepster or a two wheel drive station wagon. What color should I paint it?

    What was the original factory color?

    Brian - Sacramento

  2. #2
    Guys,
    I reached out to Mike at Kaiser/Willys and he indicated that either black or gray would be a period correct color.
    Thanks, Mike

  3. #3
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    I've heard of the early Ford tractor gray being close. I think that's what I'll use when the time comes to paint mine.

  4. #4
    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    Engine Color - Or, "Does this make my engine compartment too dark?"

    Black seemed to be the general consensus when I was asking the same question about this time last year. I looked at a lot of pictures of engines, and except for the olive-drab military, not much real information except "rust and grease".

    I decided on a gloss black since it probably wouldn't show oil and drips badly. But, I didn't consider how it would show dust...

    Here is a picture of the engine bay on the '48 2WD pickup.

    Grey would'n show dust as badly, and it wouldn't make the engine bay as dark.

    My, aren't we being girly about our vehicle colors - and we can't match shirts and pants...
    Attached Images Attached Images

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    That works! Minty clean;-).....for now:-(

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    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    I was looking for information about water temperature switches (sensors) and I found this:

    http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/...feature23.html


    All flathead blocks were painted black, all cylinder heads for use under an elevation of 5,000 feet were black, while those intended to be used at over 5,000 feet were painted blue. The six-cylinder flathead engine had a black block and blue head. 1950 and 1951 F head fours were painted red with a yellow cover.


    Hmmm ... Black and blue

  7. #7
    So... My 1949 Station Wagon with a four cylinder F head would be Red with a Yellow cover?

    Thanks so much for the research!!

    I painted the L6-161 gloss black, even the head. I live in Sacramento, 129 feet above sea level. I guessed correctly.

    Do you suppose the above 5,000 blue heads were shaved to increase the compression?

    Brian - Sacramento

  8. #8
    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    Color schemes and Engines

    [QUOTE=Brian-Sacramento;2765]So... My 1949 Station Wagon with a four cylinder F head would be Red with a Yellow cover?

    "The Book" says Model 473 -SW (Station Wagons) had an F-head engine. I don't know when "473-SW" Station Wagons were built, but if that's what you have, "red and yellow" would have been the right scheme - at least according to that account.

    If your Station Wagon is a '49, it might have had an engine transplant, like my '48 2WD truck, - or - equally likely, it's a '50 titled as a '49. Or, knowing Willys and their dealers - it could be a mixture of all of these!

    And, yes, I'd guess the heads were shaved to compensate for "high altitude". What if you drove to the beach? Hmmm .....


    From KWAS info page:

    Engines for the Willys Station Wagon: (1946-50) L4-134 Go-Devil, (1948-50) L6-148 Lightning, (1950-1965) F 4-134 Hurricane, (1950-1951) L6-161 Lightning, (1952-1954) F6-161 Hurricane, (1954-1962) L6-226 Super Hurricane, (1962-1965) 6-230 Tornado.

    4-134 F Head Motor(473)
    Years Offered:
    1950-1953 - (Station Wagon 4x4 Models)
    1950-1955 - (2x4 Models 473 and 475 with Planar Suspension)
    Engine Type: 134 CID (2.2L) F4-134 Hurricane 14
    Number of Cylinders: 4
    Cubic-In. Displacement: 134.2 cu. in. (2199,53 cm 3)
    Horsepower: 72@4000 rpm
    Torque: 114 lb-ft. (15,7 kg-m.)
    Compression Ratio: 6.9 to 1
    Valvetrain: F-Head

  9. #9
    My 1949 Station Wagon Data Plate lists: Chassis 1949 4x463, the serial is 10938. Is the correct engine a flat head 4 or the F head 4? I have both engines available.

    The engine that the 49 wagon came with is the wrong engine, a seized Jeep V6.

    You might be interested in looking at a 1950 Willys Station Wagon currently on craigslist? It looks to be all original! Sacramento, Ca craigslist, search willys. 1950 Willys Overland Station Wagon. Some very interesting historical information in the descriptor and lots of pictures.

    Engine looks to be light blue with a red valve cover,

    Enjoy, Brian

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