Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
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alastairq
Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2185
Location: East Yorkshire
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 Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2026 1:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | Perhaps it was just an aesthetic thing |
I have just googled that question, & got a quite comprehensive response [Aye aye??}
Yoru assumption may be correct, RR & B/ley painted their dashpots for aesthetic reasons.....to differentiate between them, and the hoi-polloi with their polished dashpots...
| Quote: | AI Overview
Mark 6 Bentleys were equipped with painted carburettor dashpots (specifically the top suction chambers) largely as a result of post-war manufacturing practices and aesthetic styling choices adopted by Rolls-Royce/Bentley at the time.
Aesthetic and Brand Styling: Rolls-Royce and Bentley favored enameling the suction chamber tops of their SU carburetors in black to provide a sleek, tidy appearance under the bonnet.
Post-War Materials and Cost Control: The Mark VI was introduced during a period of material shortages. Painting the carburetor components allowed for a finished look while using standard materials, and in many cases, served to differentiate the luxury brand's engine bay from standard production vehicles.
Protection: The enamel paint provided protection for the metal dashpots against corrosion.
Motor Show Influence: This look was often showcased on motor show vehicles in the late 1940s and early 1950s, setting a standard for the "factory" appearance of the engine.
Jag-lovers Forums
Jag-lovers Forums
+2
While many car enthusiasts today might expect to see polished aluminium or chrome dashpots on high-end cars of this era, the "blacked-out" look was considered more appropriate and sophisticated by the factory at the time. |
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces. |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2026 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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"appropriate and sophisticated"...
I would like some of that, please!  |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2026 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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| ukdave2002 wrote: |
Good job  I really dislike the the addition of chromed parts that were never chromed originally!
Even the polishing of SU carb chambers never looks correct IMHO! |
| alastairq wrote: |
Polished SU dashpots annoy me as well... |
Thanks guys, and I agree on the polished SU pots, seen many 122S,s with those "blinged up" 
The only thing worse is when people remove the paint, from the top of the radiator, and then polish it up  but once again, we must remember each to their own = their car = their rules.
| Ray White wrote: | "appropriate and sophisticated"...
I would like some of that, please! |
Hope I nailed both "appropriate and sophisticated" when I decided to fit Edward Turners little master piece, in to my Volvo
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2026 9:17 am Post subject: |
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When I bought my Eaton M45 supercharger I had the choice of having it highly polished or painted matte black. I chose black and saved some dosh. It is also easier to maintain "in situ".
... I also think it looks better...  |
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alastairq
Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2185
Location: East Yorkshire
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| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2026 11:15 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | The only thing worse is when people remove the paint, from the top of the radiator, and then polish it up |
Not realising, of course, tha the black paint on top of the radiator actually serves a reasonably vital function [regarding heat?]
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces. |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2026 11:29 am Post subject: |
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| alastairq wrote: | | Quote: | | The only thing worse is when people remove the paint, from the top of the radiator, and then polish it up |
Not realising, of course, tha the black paint on top of the radiator actually serves a reasonably vital function [regarding heat?] |
Only yesterday I repainted the top of my radiator black. I have to say, however, that the MG T series cars were something of a work of art. Made entirely of brass and copper beautifully soldered together, they are almost too nice to paint!! |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2026 3:39 am Post subject: Reply with picture |
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| alastairq wrote: |
Not realising, of course, tha the black paint on top of the radiator actually serves a reasonably vital function [regarding heat?] |
Correct - I forgot that part -
| Ray White wrote: |
Only yesterday I repainted the top of my radiator black.
I have to say, however, that the MG T series cars were something of a work of art.
Made entirely of brass and copper beautifully soldered together, they are almost too nice to paint!! |
Yes older cars do tend to have nice radiators, so not too bad to leave them unpainted/polished.
As promised a picture of the 80,ies chrome trip, that is being removed now.
Notice I fitted a old 60ies type of wing, on the generator, instead of the later chromed one.
The towels were found in a container, and the people were kind enough, to wash them before they threw them out.
Makes great rags, when cut in square pieces.
[ De blinging[/url]
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2026 9:48 am Post subject: |
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Of course, it's across the Pond where the worst excesses of bling are to be found.
My heart sinks when I see once perfectly preserved vintage cars covered in chrome and made look even more absurd with a massive V8 and silly wheels. |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2026 12:59 am Post subject: More painting |
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Was doing some more painting yesterday.
Also removed the thermostat housing, as it had a small leak in the welding.
Not a good decision the weld broke, when I refitted it
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2026 10:58 am Post subject: Re: More painting |
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| JC T ONE wrote: | Was doing some more painting yesterday.
Also removed the thermostat housing, as it had a small leak in the welding.
Not a good decision the weld broke, when I refitted it |
Better find out now than out on the road. It was probably only a matter of time. Poor quality thermostat castings are a nightmare. |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2026 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: More painting |
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| Ray White wrote: |
Poor quality thermostat castings are a nightmare. |
This one broke in the weld we made in 1987.
The whole engine suffered badly from frost cracks.
Both heads & block have also been welded up.
All frost plugs had also been pushed out.
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7426
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2026 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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If you need a permanent repair to a non stressed casting (like a water jacket) may I suggest you consider 'Belzona'. ?
I had a nasty crack in my 1926 Dodge Brothers block and successfully repaired it cold with Belzona epoxy.
The only downside is the cost!
I have no connection with the Company.
https://www.belzona.com/en/products/purpose/metal-repair.aspx |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2026 6:24 am Post subject: |
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| Ray White wrote: |
If you need a permanent repair to a non stressed casting (like a water jacket) may I suggest you consider 'Belzona'. ?
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Thanks that looks like a great product.
We welded both block & heads up, back in 1987.
A little water got into the oil after start up, but a can of Holts engine block sealer fixed it.
Changed the oil + filter again, and oil remained clean for the nine years I used the car.
Spares arrived today = new ignition cables incl fittings for them - air & oil filters - and a new belt for the water pump.
Saved the best for last = my Swedish Ebay connection came over with my latest treasure = originale winter mats
Been looking for a pair since 1987.
They are more like a tray, made in plastic, with high sides, so you can ease them out of the car & pour out the melted snow.
Have Volvo logo, and "fits Volvo Amazon" cast in them.
Jens Christian.
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alastairq
Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2185
Location: East Yorkshire
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| Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2026 11:13 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | They are more like a tray, made in plastic, with high sides, so you can ease them out of the car & pour out the melted snow.
Have Volvo logo, and "fits Volvo Amazon" cast in them. |
I still have a pair of that type of Volvo mat from my 740....Even though the 740 has long since become washing machines.
I've used them as 'drip' trays under rear axles, etc...
They work very well indeed.
DAihatsu also had similar for their 4Traks...I found them handy for when rain leaked in..it would gather in the 'mat'....and could then be easily tipped outside.
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces. |
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JC T ONE
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1172
Location: Denmark
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| Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2026 12:01 am Post subject: |
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[quote="alastairq"] | Quote: |
I still have a pair of that type of Volvo mat from my 740....Even though the 740 has long since become washing machines.
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I would imagine they are well suited for that but take care of them.
The "new thing" is 240 and 740 series = prices for original spares, and accessories are very high,and going up.
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