Ugly surge tank

[dburgjohn]

Show season is coming up and I hate my surge tank (92). It just stands out when the hood is open. I don't really like the cover Ecklers offers (expensive, but cheap looking). Has anyone else done something with this little item? How about some ideas, pictures?

 

[dburgjohn]

Come on guys (and gals) someone has to have an idea

 

[c4cruiser]

The surge tank is easily paintable. It's ABS plastic and it should never see temps hotter than the coolant inside. There are three hose connection under it along with a sensor for the low coolant light. Once the hoses are off, it is easily removed from the bracket. There will be a fair amount of coolant in the tank and the hoses and heater core so make sure you have a way to contain the coolant.

This might be a good time for a coolant change and perhaps new hoses if you haven't done them. OEM Heater hoses are expensive so you might want to consider the upper and lower radiator hoses and the small TB bypass hose.

Use 320grit paper to roughen the surface, clean with a prep like Prep-Sol and use a good primer. Finish with either body color or whatever color looks good!!

 

[MagikDraggin]

Come on guys (and gals) someone has to have an idea

I don't take the vette to car shows very often (don't care to deal with all the "politics" of car show people), but when I do, I wipe down all the underhood plastic and wheel wells, as well as the underside of the hood itself, with a generous coat of Lemon Pledge, including this surge tank.

Puts a nice glossy, yet satiny, finish on the tank and everything else.

 

[RoadReady]

I don't like rubbing on the shiney side much less the ugly side, so I don't spend much time detailing a road warrior. I have discovered a quick 'n easy product that gives a great underhood result, including plastic. I washed my engine with Greased Lightning Orange Blast (I noticed most of the traditional engine cleaners warned against using on aluminum or electrical connectors.) The Blast did a great job of cutting crud.
Then I sprayed the entire compartment with Liqui-Tech Cycle Finish for Motorcycle. The Cycle Finish put a gloss on everything, especially the black plastic and hoses. Since it's made for 'cycles it's supposed to be safe for all finishes, including aluminum and paint. It's a "water-based synthetic resin polish/finish" and not stickey so it won't attract dirt like foaming tire cleaner (wasn't happy with that shortcut!!). Just tried it so I don't know how long it will last but a ride to Breax Bridge, La. and Houston, Tx next week should be a good test.
I got this stuff from Liqui-Tech of Tennessee, Knoxville, 865/690-2745, detailspec@aol.com. Think it was $12 for the spray bottle. The owner was showing a eyepopping Grand Sport last year at Bowling Green to hipe his line of paint polish and wax. His paint looked a mile deep and had an awsome gloss. As well as his engine detail spray and paint pre-cleaner work, I'm going to order some of the polish and wax.