redoing engine compartment...advice needed

[firstgear]

as I narrow down what I am going to do and not do....wanted to get some advice/thoughts on how to refurbish the engine compartment short of removing the body from the frame (I have a '60).

I can get the engine pulled, but what is the best way to remove the paint in the engine bay as well as dress up the rest of the engine area while the engine is removed (got a price of $1800-$2000 for rebuild of 350 cu in with a hotter cam from a race shop...does that sound like a good price?).

I would like to get the engine bay "freshened".....anyone done this short of the frame off? comments and suggestions are always welcomed!

 

[tigernut]

Once I removed everything, I just scrubbed with soap and water, then used a putty knife to remove what looked like tar on the firewall.

I wetsanded where needed and used a scotchbrite pad in certain areas.

Once I got the smooth finish I needed and everything was cleaned, I painted with semi-flat black.

Lots of ways to do it depending on how "professional" of a finish you are looking for.

A wire wheel on a grinder does a great job of "cleaning" up suspension parts.

You can see pictures of before and after here:
http://www.helptimmebuyahonda.com/doug/doug.htm

Doug

 

[67HEAVEN]

I found this nylon flapper wheels absolutely amazing for removing years of grime without damaging the fiberglass.

The Home Depot has them.

 

[Pillman7]

The May 2005 issue of Corvette Fever(I just got mine today) has an article on engine compartment overhaul. It covers from pressure washing the compartment to painting. It also lists some do's and don't's.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Doug your results look outstanding great job,


Bob does that grinder bring back memories or what?

Herb When ever I first get a car I give it a very thourough pressure washing,and then work from there.

I also use renolds wrap aluminum foil for masking off odd shaped items and wiring harness's

 

[studiog]

Here is what works for me:
Spray Degreaser
Power Wash
Putty knife to remove tar or chunks of stubborn gunk still there
Degreaser again
Power Wash again
detergent and scrub brush
rinse
blow off with compressed air
allow to completely dry for a couple of days
paint with satin or semi flat black
Sounds like allot but it doesn't take too much time to do.

 

[firstgear]

Here is what works for me:
Spray Degreaser
Power Wash
Putty knife to remove tar or chunks of stubborn gunk still there
Degreaser again
Power Wash again
detergent and scrub brush
rinse
blow off with compressed air
allow to completely dry for a couple of days
paint with satin or semi flat black
Sounds like allot but it doesn't take too much time to do.

Hate to ask this question as I think I know the answer...but did you use paint spray cans or a cup spray gun? Did you have to prime or idd you just apply the paint? Was it a special engine bay paint or just some body paint? thanks for helping....

 

[tigernut]

I found this nylon flapper wheels absolutely amazing for removing years of grime without damaging the fiberglass

Boy I wish I had known about those! I'll have to file that away for the next time.

Doug your results look outstanding great job

Thank you.

 

[studiog]

Hate to ask this question as I think I know the answer...but did you use paint spray cans or a cup spray gun? Did you have to prime or idd you just apply the paint? Was it a special engine bay paint or just some body paint? thanks for helping....

I used an automotive black spray primer only where there was bare glass and a spray can of semi flat over that. I had my touchup gun at hand but decided it would make too much overspray so I went with the spray can. That was about 7 months ago and I've washed the dust off it a few times since and it has held up well. I gave it another light coat after I painted the car in December... body was off frame.