73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: GUITAR1989 on December 30, 2010, 02:33:30 am
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Hey guys :) Im planning on cleaning up my engine bay a bit. I was just wondering what paint you guys would suggest. I dont have a spray gun so Itll need to be something I can brush on or spray out of a can. What would you guys use?
Heres how my engine bays looking at the moment.
(http://i33.tinypic.com/2lvftb9.jpg)
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I usually just use a good engine paint, or at least a higher temp paint. Also they'll be tougher for when wrenches and such get dropped on it.
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Are you removing the engine?
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No ill just be covering it up and painting around it. I dont have the stuff to take it out yet.
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I used gloss black high temp engine paint and it turned out good. It's smooth enough to wipe clean and it's shiny. Cheap and easy to touch up.
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If your looking for a quick job for the firewall/fender wells/core support Rustoleum textured paint hides lots of sins
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Trunk spatter paint hides the ugly very well
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I actually have used a brush on rustoleum gloss black on a car that I had, it suprisingly leveled very nicely(couldn't see the brush strokes).
However, next time I will most likely use a self etching primer and a rustolem spray can.
I will be doing this in march and will post pics along with my 350 and 5 speed installation. I will start a project thread on this sometime in the near future.
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Ah right on man thanks for the tips
I was thinking of going with that stuff :)
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If you are not going to take the time to do it correctly, Don't bother doing it.
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Well since im on here asking what paint to use, It's pretty safe to say I dont know the "correct" way to do it. Thanks for the great advice though ::)
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You just have to remember it's your truck, you have to be proud of it, nobody else. I think you have done a great job so far, keep up the good work..
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Well since im on here asking what paint to use, It's pretty safe to say I dont know the "correct" way to do it. Thanks for the great advice though ::)
Just ignore 99% of Jim Rockfords posts. He's just trying to see how far he can push it before he gets himself banned from this site.
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Im really just looking for some input. I have hardly any experience with painting. If its that much better to get a spray gun and do the bay ill save up for a gun and paint to do that. I just dont have alot of money so I was hoping there would be a rattle can solution for the problem. Even if its multiple layers like a primer, paint, top coat...how did you guys do yours? I dont mind if it doesnt look perfect. I just want it to be durrible. Thanks for all your help guys
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Engine enamel is pretty good and fairly cheap too.
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I have a philosophy, that I will offer to you. Not knowing the answer to a question is "uninformed. Not knowing the answer to a question and not seeking the knowledge is dumb. You came seeking knowledge, so you deserve an informed answer.
What you are looking to do is what is commonly referred to as a "Krylon Overhaul". If done correctly, it will net some very attractive results.
To get started you will need some supplies. Be sure that the cost is in your budget, and allot the time necessary to complete the project. You can get quite a bit done over a weekend if you plan well in advance.
The idea behind improving the looks under your hood has two elements. The first and foremost is to draw attention to the nice newly painted parts. The second element is to remove, hide, or camouflage items that are not attractive.
Step one should include a a complete cleaning. If you have access to a pressure washer it can be done at home. If not, the local coin op car wash will do just fine. There are a gazillion types of cleaners on the market that will work. I prefer a good soaking of a degreaser in advance, then a fresh soaking of "Gunk" brand Engine-Brite. It has proven to be strong enough to get the grease off, but not harm your paint. It may take several attempts, depending on what method you use, but get the engine compartment as clean as possible.
Since the fenderliners are easy to remove, I would pull them in advance of your weekend. Use scotch soap and water to clean them thoroughly and a scotch-brite pad to scuff them in prep for paint. This is a good time to remove any old components mounted to them that aren't functional.
I strongly recommend using satin, or semi-gloss paint on your fenderliners. DO NOT use flat paint as it will chalk up later, and is much more prone to stains from water or solvents. Unless you plan to paint them body color, I use satin black. This is the starting point of your attempt to "to remove, hide, or camouflage items that are not attractive".
Use plastic or paper to mask off the outside of your engine compartment, and cover your motor as well. You can use Saran wrap and aluminum foil to mask off separate components where needed. Remove or loosen any hoses or wiring and secure them away from the firewall and core support. Take your time to carefully paint everything satin black here too.
Unless you want to pull your headers and paint them properly, you can use Eastwood brand High Temp Exhaust paint. It can be applied with a brush and will give a nice fresh look. Give them a couple of coats and let them cure.
Once dry mask that area and mask or remove your valve covers. Remove the air cleaner, alternator and brackets, and disconnect any hoses and wires that are in the way. If your motor needs a fresh coat of paint, mask the manifold and paint it section at a time.
Either replace the pulleys with chrome ones, or paint them. They can be painted satin black again, or gray to match the valve covers. Clean and reinstall the components you have removed. Use fresh wireloom or clean what you have.
DO NOT use colored wire loom as it tends to look like a bowl of bright colored spaghetti. Use black loom, and black zipties to clean up and secure loose wires. If you can afford new plug wires, replace those with a darker color that you build to length. Add a nice separator kit to this if its not in your budget.
There is so much more that can be added, but if you take your time the results will be impressive. You can do an amazing job with some serious effort on your part.
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/gallery/214_23_01_11_2_01_01.jpeg)
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/gallery/214_23_01_11_2_01_28.jpeg)
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Im really just looking for some input. I have hardly any experience with painting. If its that much better to get a spray gun and do the bay ill save up for a gun and paint to do that. I just dont have alot of money so I was hoping there would be a rattle can solution for the problem. Even if its multiple layers like a primer, paint, top coat...how did you guys do yours? I dont mind if it doesnt look perfect. I just want it to be durrible. Thanks for all your help guys
It really just depends just how much time you want to spend on it.
I spent 4-5 hours on mine and it's improved. I just degreased the engine, spray canned some paint, I also removed the valve cover to replace the gasket and painted it while it was off the engine. I knew I would be redoing it again as I am replacing the engine and transmission. so this was the solution for me for the time being.
this is cheap to do, so if you don't like just go back in there and do it again.
This is one job where more time spent will equal better results
btw I don't think there is a "correct" way of doing this
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Dang man thank you for the detailed description. I was thinking about just painting the firewall, fenders and "part where the radiator sits..dont know what its called :P I think the next thing Ill do is get a hold of a good engine building book. after I get a basic understanding of how to rebuild it Ill start doing some easy stuff to it, change gaskets, plugs, wires, tune carb, and paint it. It definitely deserves some lovin for how good its been for me so far :-* thanks for the help though man mucho appreciated
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I've used semi gloss paint on the fire wall and inner fenders (spray can). No problems just take your time and cover everything up good including the hood and fenders to stay away from over spray. It will turn out just fine.
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here's my "redneck in a trailer park underhood paint". before and after about 4-5 hours and a can or two of spray paint.
(http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv222/titera1/5039_12.jpg)
(http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv222/titera1/4.jpg)
just enough to hold me over for the summer.
btw: I will start a new project thread soon as I redo this along with my new engine and trans install.
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dang man that redneck trailor paint job is just what kind of resaults im looking for x)
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dang man that redneck trailor paint job is just what kind of resaults im looking for x)
live the dream 8)
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Your right, everyone has their level of skills.
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PM sent
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The thing to keep in mind Guitar (seems this post is being used for something else?) is painting anything is all about the prep work. It really doesn't matter what paint you use or method of application. Unless your a body man that is painting one to go on the "show only circuit" there's no need to spend alot on equipment. Just shake up the cans of what ever quality brand you like and lay it down.
Personally, I would dedicate an entire weekend to take everything off the engine, firewall, core support and pull the headlights, grill and bumper and jack it up in the front and remove the wheels. I'd also go ahead and pull the hood. You could pull the inner fender panels if you want but they are a little difficult to get back in without scratching your new paint.
Now is when the prep comes in to play, CLEAN everything REALLY well. Scrape the globs off and scrub everything with degreaser and rinse with your garden hose. Then wash everything with grease fighting dish soap that won't leave a residue and do a final rinse. Sand everything as smooth as you want it, prime it and paint it with the same brand stuff. You pick the colors and finish, its your truck. Look online for example pics. Paint everything under the hood, behind the grill/headlights and bumper. Paint all your engine brackets while off. Give the engine a fresh coat. Now is the time.
Reinstall everything when dry. Add new wire loom and hoses/vacuum lines and clamps. Buy some new chrome goodies and it'll be the sharpest truck around!
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Tword N2TRUX , very good tips about somthing sometimes overlooked areas nice job.
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just enough to hold me over for the summer.
btw: I will start a new project thread soon as I redo this along with my new engine and trans install.
I said i was gonna...
(http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv222/titera1/DSCN0622.jpg)
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So is this your new motor?.
It looks great.
What are the specs on it?.
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So is this your new motor?.
It looks great.
What are the specs on it?.
The six is out, Thanks,
It is in my project thread here
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.0)
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Oh that truck is turning out NIIIIIIIIICE!!!!!
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Duplicolor makes a low gloss engine paint that looks great. It's Low Gloss Black. I think the number is 1634. I love the way that stuff looks. Not flat but not too shiny.
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Yeah Im gonna be doing this one in the next week or two. I'll clean up everything under the hood. Put all those wild wires in some wire loom, paint everything thats all faded or rusted black, paint my air cleaner cover and valve covers black...Its been a while since ive done anything to my truck so im excited to make the beast a little slicker looking where it counts 8) I actually had someone asking me what engine it had in it...i could tell they wanted to see but i didnt wanna pop the hood cause its a mess under there lol....I just walked em to the back of the truck and showed em the nice clean looking chassis under the bed :D
heres how my engine bay looks right now...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2e5sgw4.jpg)
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Any progress yet? I had run my wires under the headers instead of a loom, I like the way it looks but it take a little more effort, cheaper though. I also installed my alt lower to match it with the power steering and moved all of the other engine/headlight wiring out of sight as much as I could. Also updated the brake booster and master. Most of what I did was just elbow grease, junk yard parts and not a whole lot of additional dollars. Maybe move your windshield washer tank forward to hide it a little, remove the unused a/c bracket. just throwing ideas your way, hope it helps. post some pics of your progress if you have any.