WW2 color question

That tan color seems to be a primer or interior color I have found inside the engines. I find it everywhere I have been on my 1952 D2

yes to this, i think its zinc chromate or looks like it.

I am working on steering clutches in a 43 2T and after washing, that same color is inside clutch compartment also.

OK thanks everyone, sounds like primer then.
Mike

What color ya guna paint it Mike

Hi Mike,
from previous discussions here it seems all wartime production was the olive drab as the majority of machines went to the war effort--special paper work and authority was needed to get a private Cat at that time--usually for food production purposes for example--I stand to be corrected.
I believe it should be olive drab but without Military insignia applied.
The tan is the sealer coating paint used to seal any porosity and also the casting sand onto/into the castings and it is applied before machining takes place.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

What color ya guna paint it Mike

Good question Andrew, do you have a suggestion because I reckon there are probably 100 different shades of drab olive green aren't there so which ever one I chose I'm sure will be wrong in the eyes of some experts but it will be lusterless and as close to the odd patches of old green paint I can still find on the old girl, the engine block was cast on June 22nd 1944, the serial number is D4 2T4146SP and she is getting the full McCoy recon with new liners, rings, head recon, new tinwork, rebuilt final drives and undercarriage, pilot motor and hydraulic pump, not sure about the gearbox and clutches yet though suspect I'll take the tranny top off while the tinwork and tank is off.
Mike

Good question Andrew, do you have a suggestion because I reckon there are probably 100 different shades of drab olive green aren't there so which ever one I chose I'm sure will be wrong in the eyes of some experts but it will be lusterless and as close to the odd patches of old green paint I can still find on the old girl, the engine block was cast on June 22nd 1944, the serial number is D4 2T4146SP and she is getting the full McCoy recon with new liners, rings, head recon, new tinwork, rebuilt final drives and undercarriage, pilot motor and hydraulic pump, not sure about the gearbox and clutches yet though suspect I'll take the tranny top off while the tinwork and tank is off.
Mike