While i've got my motor out, i thought i'd do some painting on the engine bay (it looks really bad). I kinda don't want to use rattle-can paint, but if there's something really good out there, i'd like to hear about it! Otherwise, i was just going to get a cheap can of flat black exterior paint and use that. I don't know if i can ever get all the grease out of there though, any suggestions??
Here's a rattle-can paint job ... take your time and prep it and it will look great. This was custom-mixed Sikkens Urethane in spray bomb ... http://homepage.mac.com/dmhines/.Pi...-02 14.43.43 -0800/Image-F5CCEF6384F611D8.jpg
Just remember that the quality of the finished product is directly proportionate to the quality of the preparation. Even expensive paint will look bad if the surface will not accept it. With the engine out you should have plenty of room to thoroghly clean and degrease all surfaces. After you've cleaned it, clean it again. Remove all dirt and loose paint, and use ScotchBrite to scuff any smooth surfaces. The concours gurus here can correct me if necessary, but I think you want to use satin black as opposed to flat. When I did mine I used DuPont that I bought at a paint store and sprayed with my touch-up gun and 20 gallon compressor. Sam
c-c, i used cheap oven cleaner. the cheaper the better. spray it on and let it set. wash off and do it again. then hot soapy water. then scotchbrite the surface and wash again. blow dry and you are ready to apply what ever you wish. i used simi flat it is easy to touch up later if need be...frank...
Sam is absolutely correct about the prep work. Use a good degreaser/cleaner and rinse it throughly after you scrub the compartment out prior to painting. I have to disagree about using cheap paint. I've found that quality and price do have a common ground. If you want it to go down well and last, spend a little more and get some better quality paint. All rattle cans are not created equal. In the realm of reasonably priced rattle cans for general use, go with Krylon or Rust o leum. You'll be more satisfied with the end result.
I scrubbed my engine compartment down 4 times before paint. Each time I scrubbed it with a full can of Oven Cleaner and a scotch-brite pad. There was surface rust around the steering column opening so I coated that with Eastwood Rust Encapsulator and then auto primer before paint. I roughed up everything with a scotch-brite pad prior to spraying. Original: http://homepage.mac.com/dmhines/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2003-12-29%2018.01.15%20-0800/Image-E03D45263A6B11D8.jpg After four cans of oven cleaner: http://homepage.mac.com/dmhines/.Pictures/mav/CIMG0305.jpg After paint: http://homepage.mac.com/dmhines/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-03-21%2011.23.34%20-0800/Image-08BADB2C7B6D11D8.jpg
satin black i have found that a 50 / 50 mix of rust-o-leum gloss and flat black turns out close to factory satin black. first i soften the crud with a spray bottle of mixed 50 / 50 dish soap and water - lots of it, then i use lots of cheap oven cleaner from the $.99 store. put big sheets of cardboard(furniture store dumpster ) underneath to catch the grease / crud, hit it with the hose - - wa-la. fold up the cardboard with all the crud while its still wet and toss it. now it's time for the scotch-brite and elbow grease. i also suggest that you wear safety glasses and some rubber gloves - maybe at least a dust mask, most better oven cleaners contains LYE and it will BURN you. good luck
I concur with the oven cleaner...definetly get some cheap rubber gloves...this stuff will take the hide off...I also bought some cheap toothbrushes to get to the tight spots. Some before and after pics Well so much for the before pic...but trust me it was UGLY
