Thoughts on removing engine to detail / paint

[1978 454 Big 10]

I'm debating on removing the engine to detail under the hood. The paint on the engine is flaking off.

Think I could do a better job of cleaning the old paint off and repainting that way.

Any thoughts?

[bake74]

     Removing the engine is going give you better results, that way you can get to all the engine and engine bay.  With the engine in you can still do it, it will just look like you detailed it with the engine in.

[1978 454 Big 10]

Hello,

Just wanted to know if I should do it, or keep it original.

As clean as the rest of the truck is, I want to make the engine look the same.

Thanks!

[fitz]

I vote to keep it original, its a beautiful truck as is. I'm all for taking a worn out truck and modifying it, but with a truck like yours, its only original once.

[zieg85]

I vote to keep it original, its a beautiful truck as is. I'm all for taking a worn out truck and modifying it, but with a truck like yours, its only original once.

x2  It is rare to see one that original in such nice shape not to mention very highly optioned...

[1980c10]

I cleaned up my old engine in the truck but removed the valve cover, air cleaner and a few other parts to clean sand and paint them outside of the engine bay and the rest I cleaned and painted inside of the engine bay. You can probably get 9/10s of the way there with less than half of the work. Also consider buying whatever stickers are on the air cleaner or otherwise underhood etc to give it a really nice clean look. However if you have leaking and seeping issues you may just want to pull it to do some re-gasketing. Really just depends on your time and motivation. Whatever you decide be sure to post some before and after pics for all of us to admire.

[1978 454 Big 10]

The paint on the fender wells, firewall, radiator support all look good. The paint on the engine is looking aged. Mostly the paint on the heads by the manifolds is burnt off, and the valve covers paint is peeling. Thinking of having the exhaust manifolds jethot coated dark grey. Thinking of replacing freeze plugs, water pump, seals, and all the other gaskets while it's out.  Engine runs great, no smoke and great oil pressure.

Have all winter long to do the job. (I have two daily drivers). Just think it will improve the overall looks of the truck. I will document all work I do to it. (photos)

As far as the stickers, they are all there. One of them on the breather is tore/scratched. I have bought a new one to replace it already.

By doing this, will it raise/lower its value?

[1980c10]

I say remove it and clean it up. You have the time and in my opinion it will be worth the effort. As far as value is concerned I don't think it will have much of effect up or down. Value comes down to what the individual buyer is looking for, myself I would consider it more loved with a little touch up.