Engine Compartment Detailing

[waterboy1976]

I figured while I have my engine and tranny out of my 73' Id freshen up the engine bay a little. I have removed as much as possible from it (excluding the complete wiring harness and was going to powerwash it and degrease it. But then what do you use before painting it? Prime anything? Sand anything? What are some of the things you guys have done out there. I have a ten foot vette and want the engine bay to look real nice but not anywhere near perfect. Thanks yall..

 

[quickjagg]

I used gas, and a paintbrush to remove all of the grime from the engine, and after that was all done I used a drill with a wire brush bit. to clean it up before painting. some of the areas are hard to get with the drill so be sure and go over it with a hand wire brush after. Next I cleaned it up with accetone twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm not sure if you are required to prime the engine before painting but I did just to make sure the paint would stick (it hasn't started falling off yet which is a good sign ) After that I used some paint I got from VIP that was a high temp paint for just such a project. As far as in the engine bay, I sanded everything cleaned it up with accetone, primed everything, and painted it all. Be sure to wear a mask, I made the mistake of not, and felt really light headed after it was all done. As far as the hoses, and wires that I didn't replace, I used accetone to clean those up too, most of them look brand new now. I hope this helps! And be sure to show us pics when you get it done!

-Chris

Oh, btw, here's what it looked like when I finished

 

[SwaveDave]

I would take a close look at POR products for painting of your frame and engine compartment ; so far ive used thier POR15 and Boss GLoss vinyl cleaner and i have black High Temp. Header Paint (good to 1200 f) and black hi gloss Engine enamel paint (good to 600 f) on the way to me now. I plan on using the enamel paint for the engine bay . Some guys dont like a really hi gloss look, but i do, and figure why not go with the hi gloss so it keeps its shine longer as it ages and gets dirt on it. In the past, i have painted the hoses in the engine bay black using a foam brush with good results ; or, using acetone, tire gloss spray , or even ArmourALL Ultra Shine.... works well. The engine belts respond real well to tire gloss spray being appied to them, as it is pure silicone (dont do the underside of the belts cause they wont grab too well).

Por is at : www.por15.com Get a catalogue sent to you. Excellent products.


Dave

 

[CQRT]

Greetings all- I've avoided the petroleum distillates and stuck with the easy to use/dispose of stuff. I use Simple Green- diluted based on the magnitude of the task-- and a nylon bristle brush. It hoses off easily and is environmentally friendly. I use tire foam- doesn't matter what brand-wipe off w/damp cloth or the pre-wetted wipes on everything but the engine belts. Got Calyx for the exhaust manifolds which is more natural looking than most of the VHT paints.
and WOW- QuickJagg-- what a GREAT looking engine bay !

 

[TWINRAY]

Mann, don't use GAS:nono
With the vapors and a spark:Silly
Gunk, simple green - but not Gas

 

[SwaveDave]

I thought the same thing when i read 'gas' . The only time i use gasoline in the engine bay, is to remove a speck or two of paint overspray that landed on the chrome...but never in large doses.

 

[Brack]

Castrol has a product out Called castro; Super Clean....comes in a purple 1 gallon jug...seems to work better than most cleners , simple green , etc....

 

[SwaveDave]

I agree with Brack. To me, the Castrol seems more for automotive/industrial use...while the Simple Green is more household and ligher-duty use. Neither leave a residue and both are reasonably inexpensive.

Dave

 

[TWINRAY]

Simple green has an "Automotive" formula which is more stronger than the "Regular. I bought the Auto initially and found it about (subjectively) twice as strong as the regular. I use the regular for getting grease off my hands but it really isn't good for getting grease off a motor or frame, especially if you're talking about grease that has been on for a few+ years.. It's hard to beat Gunk and a hose for tough jobs.

 

[Stallion]

Gasoline actually helps clean!?

 

[Brack]

Looks like I'll be using the castrol again...... turned the corner and my toy backfired and started running rough..... had to go the last 6 miles home @ 30 mph....not too cool ad .... Got it home and I think the timing chain has jumped on me.......@ least I hope its something small like that

 

[SwaveDave]

Brack, Bummmmmer on your baby...let us know why it was mis-behaving.

Stallion, Gasoline is a great solvent for paint removal from virtually anything ... and especially chrome and human skin. You must be careful what you apply it on, as it could fade the surface...but its completely safe on chrome and stainless steel.

Heres another little trick i have : I was at a car show a few weeks ago..and didnt have my vinyl and rubber cleaner. The engine belts were the only thing that wasnt shiny on the engine and it stood out like a sore thumb. So out of desperation...i used some black liquid shoe polish (with dauber) and applied it on the top of each belt. Its still shiny from that and its been 3 weeks. I was so delighted from that experience...that i applied it to the vinyl boot for the Stick Shift and it looks great.


Dave

 

[Flared69]

with aluminium foil, and coke, you can get any rust spots off your chrome

don't know how effective it is, but I read this on one of those anti-coke sites. Worth a try I guess - you could just drink the rest of your can if you don't see any results

 

[SwaveDave]

Aussie,

Are you the former 'Aussiewithnovette' ??!

If so...congragulations on your '69 . Is that Lemans Blue ?? I see it has an L88 hood .... what under that ?!

Give us a rundown...

Dave

 

[Flared69]

yep thats me

nah its no L88...

its a L46.

I might consider putting an original hood on, but I think it looks so darn sexy.

yet to find out if those flares are original or not, I am doubting it more and more, but we shall see. The guy that I bought it from was an NCRS chapter pres, its matching numbers, with redone suspension and SS brakes, power steering, power brakes, and it also is in damn fine condition

Its got a sports cam and sports carb on it, but may have to replace it as it does 8miles/gallon the guy I bought it from is giving me the originals when the car is delivered next tuesday

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34800

check that out for more info

 

[SwaveDave]

Aussie,

Nice looking vette. Very simular to mine. I had the L88 hood added to mine with fresh air chamber-definetly gives it that hi perf. look. I dont think flared fenders were available in 1969 , thus, they were added on...but nevertheless, will serve to protect the paintwork on the body. 8 mpg ??!!...wow...something isnt right there ; on my built 454, im getting 12.5 mpg around town with an 800 cfm carb.

The last guy most likely did a nice job on everthing if he was an NCRS president.

Enjoy, Dave

 

[Flared69]

yeah

its got a racing carb/cam on it

that probably contributes greatly to the milage (or lack of).

I need to do some research, as fuel is around twice the price in Australia.