Transmission / Overdrive: Torque Converter- to paint or not?

[Steve Winzar]

I have just buffed off a light film of rust from the surfaces of my '61 Hawk's Toque Converter/Flywheel and mused over the fact that there was never any sign of paint anywhere at all on this assembly. It has been stored for many years but kept covered and was perfectly operational when it was removed. In the interests of heat transfer, should I paint this thing or leave it. If I paint it, is there any issue with colour? On another note, I will be using the original Bellhousing and flexplate (yes, it's in good condition!). Is there any necessity to dial-in the housing given it's going back into service as-was?
Steve

[57pack]

For what it's worth, both converters in my Packard and Studebaker weren't painted.
Had them both out and put them back same way, unpainted.

[Warren Webb]

If the bell housing was originally setup with the engine then there shouldn't be any need to dial it in but then, unless your absolutely positive that it hasn't been altered I would just to be safe, at least measure it to make sure.

As far as painting the converter what would it contribute? I see no need or reason to paint it. Even if the outside got a rusted surface that would not change the operation of the internals, providing the shaft opening was properly sealed.

[HAWK64]

Original torque converters were not painted either fitted at assembly or as spare part replacements.

[stude dude]

Original torque converters were not painted either fitted at assembly or as spare part replacements.

What Jim said.

Also, I couldn't imagine not replacing the flex plate at this very convenient time. Its a cheap part and very hard to tell if fatigued just by appearance.

Chris.

[Steve Winzar]

Thanks for the input gents. After all said and done I decided the while shebang would benefit from a zap from a heatproof paint aerosol silver/grey I have lying about. My edict is 'why suffer rust'. I am going to try setting the TC nose to run concentrically using a magnetic base and dial indicator whilst rotating the crankshaft.
Steve