Transmission Dip Stick

[Ironhorse]

As I change out the 4 spd/205 to auto/205 I keep coming up with some unknowns. I am not making a spotless show quality engine bay but will clean and paint as I go. Anyone know what the original color for the trans. dipstick tube and also the upper pull tab or hook? Also how about the 4x4 engine oil dip stick on the left side of the engine. This is on a '71 4x4 with a 350 v-8.
Will also be degreasing and painting the engine, plan on using Duplicolor 1620 Chevrolet Orange. Do I need to primer the block first after cleaning?

[mrein3]

I went from 3-speed manual/NP205 to th350/NP205. I left the tranny dip stick tube (that came out of a 1971 Monte Carlo) in its now 41 year old natural state.

When I painted the 383 I built I used chevy orange engine paint and used a bright yellow spray bomb for the handle on the dip stick tube.

The car transmission dip stick tube could be a neon light and you still wouldn't see it. It is really low in the back of the engine. The car engine oil dip stick tube/handle (both the 350 block and dip stick came out of the same Monte) is more visible but isn't really all that easy to use.

[Ironhorse]

Thanks for the reply. I knew the dipstick wouldn't be seen really well but just unsure as to what color at all to use. Think will most likely do a semi-gloss black with either yellow or red tipped cap.

[mrein3]

If you're going black, it's pretty tough to beat Krylon #1613. It sells for next to nothing at Wal*Mart and you can't tell the diiference between it and the black GM used.
I keep a can or two in the shop at all times.
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[FirstOwner69]

The tubes were black, but I don't recall mine being painted when new. I prepped mine and used liquid gun blue.

[koda360]

If using an engine paint, you normally don't need primer, but fallow the paint mfg's directions on back of can.
You should always use a ceramic engine paint for high heat applications, such as engine block and heads, as well as trans. Over time, regular paint will blister and peel off.
If you not going for a total resto, I like to use gloss black on transmissions. It really helps dissipate heat (reason most late model, and aftermarket performance engines/ trannys are black), and you'll never see the trans unless it's on a lift...
However, IMHO, if the trans case is aluminum, there's really no need to paint it, and bare aluminum will dissipate heat better than painting it at all.
Dipstick tubes are kinda you're personal preff. Most came black, but if you paint it the same color as trans, it kinda disappears and really cleans up the engine bay.
Just my 3 cents...

[406 Q-ship]

GM did not paint the automatics, just bare aluminum.

[Ironhorse]

Thanks to all who replied. Will most likely paint the dipstick tube with a semi-gloss black and the pull tab portion red. Bought couple cans of Duplicolor
# 1620 Chevrolet Orange 500 degree engine paint which should be plenty since the intake is powder coated. Transmission is aluminum TH350, transfer is cast iron, most likely will leave them bare. Might paint the tranny pan?