Need help with the engine colors on a 1950 226. I assume the the generator, starter, air cleaner, oil filter were all black. The block was a dark red color. The intake I have seems to be a copper color. Does anyone know the intake, exhaust, harmonic balance, heat shield colors. Also when did Ford start using the blue engine paint?

 

I don't have any official source for this but according to the Mac Antique Auto Parts catalog, medium Ford blue is used for all 6 & V-8's from 1966 on.

I can confirm that the paint on my '50 226, which appeared to be original, was dark red. I don't know about the intake and exhaust but would be interested to hear what you find out from others.

 

This might help ya.

 

Wagner's information is pretty accurate, except it should include all truck engines from 1948-51. In addition, it should be noted that a lot more of the 337 engine was assembled before it got painted red. For whatever reason, the only thing that was black was the oil filter,generator and fan. Even the fuel pump and distributor got painted (with a partial bag over the top of them)!
Your starter and manifolds should be red, and your heat shield should be painted black. And the low gloss black he lists is definitely shiny. It probably wasn't the same quality as what was on the body, but not any version of semi gloss, satin, or chassis black, as some like to call it. This goes for anything black under your truck.
Chuck