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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: gmcthunder on April 21, 2014, 04:53:18 pm

Title: Valve Cover Prep and Paint
Post by: gmcthunder on April 21, 2014, 04:53:18 pm

I am looking to replace the valve cover gaskets on my 85 GMC and would like to paint the old valve covers.  Any suggestions on how to properly prep and paint them?  Any suggestions on valve cover gasket replacement, prep and paint of the covers would be helpful.  Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Valve Cover Prep and Paint
Post by: bake74 on April 21, 2014, 06:36:49 pm

      What are your valve covers that you want to paint made out of ?  That will depend on how you paint them.

Title: Re: Valve Cover Prep and Paint
Post by: gmcthunder on April 21, 2014, 08:01:29 pm

bake74 I am not 100% certain but I believe they are the OEM valve covers.  I am assuming they are steel.

Title: Re: Valve Cover Prep and Paint
Post by: bake74 on April 21, 2014, 08:37:29 pm

     If they are just steel, then either way you paint them (rattle can or spray gun), prep is going to be your best friend.  I would suggest you clean them very well and wash with a soap made to remove grease and oil. 
     I have always had the best luck if I rattled can something to use a product that will actually etch the metal before applying the primer.  Ecthing the metal will allow the primer to adhere better, since you are not using a hardener like with a air spray gun type.  You can find all kinds of products sold at auto/paint places in rattle cans that will etch the metal.

Title: Re: Valve Cover Prep and Paint
Post by: gmcthunder on April 22, 2014, 04:57:24 pm

Thanks for the tip.