OK. So this is maybe not the most stimulating topic. But it is a legitimate question that I have. Does anyone know how(if) it is possible to paint portions of the motor without removing it??? I am in the process of replacing chrome valve covers with newly painted proper steel covers. But, it turns out I need to repaint parts of the block and the water pump to match.

Any techniques that anyone would be willing to share?
Thanks,
Mark

 

This is a problem we all seem to have eventually!

Several methods I use are as follows:

1. If you can mask off everything around the area, then spray can is best.
2. Alternate is use a small detail spray gun (such as those used to paint models). These can fit into areas smaller than a spray can, and the amount to be sprayed can be controlled much better.
3. Another method is to use a small paint brush and a careful hand.
4. Method 4 is to remove the item to be painted and paint it "elsewhere" with the spray can.

Problem with above items 2 & 3 is finding cans of engine paint. Eastwood use to carry it, but I don't see it in their latest catalog. Last time, I "emptied" a can of spray paint into a glass container so that I could brush on the paint. Spray can paint is already thinned with solevent, so it is too liquid for good brushing (but in a pinch it works better than nothing), and requires several coats.

I know some people use enamel for painting engines, but it always seems to discolor (burn) around the exhaust side of the heads (on vehicles that actually get driven).

If anyone knows where we can purchase a pint of Chevy Orange Engine paint(not a spray can), let us know!

Another question: Who do you think makes the best spray can engine paint?

I have been using Black Plasticoat for years and it seems to stay bright and goes on glossy and covers well, when used on my other vehicles. But their Chevy Orange does not seem to have the correct tint, and does not seem to cover as well as their black. Comments?

Plasticman

 

When I detailed the engine compartment of my 66 I removed everything from the front of the engine and exhaust manifolds. I then papered off everything top and bottom to the point I was just looking at the basic engine. I used syray cans (not sure what brand) and ended up with a nice clean job. NOW, if you have some extra $$$ laying collecting dust go to the Tech Tip section and look at the tip for PPG, Delstar Paint. I used this on the 427 I installed and can only say WOW!!!! Not cheap but what a difference over spray can paint. You should be able to use this with the portable air spray kits (not the right term) that come with a can of air and bottle to put your mixed paint into.

 

re the PPG Delstar, I would think the better paint shops could mix it, thin it properly, and put in an spray can for you (just an idea)

 

I found it convienent to stuff rags into certain areas rateher then try to mask them off. Also, and this has been said over and over.... use several light coats rather then one heavy coat. Don't be in a hurry, the more attention you pay to detail now the better the job will look... vetzs

 

Thanks, everyone. OK, I will follow your advice. It seems that using a combination of your recommendations will work. I have found several different brands of spray paint called "chevy orange" or "chevy red". But I will look into the PPG stuff and give that a try.
Mark

 

The PPG Delstar tech paper/paint formulas are from me. Here is the extract about the Chevy Engine Paint. What I do is simply take the car down to the car wash and blast the snot out of the engine compartment after soaking some of the areas with "gunk" or Wesley's Beach White Tire Cleaner. This will get rid of all grease and crap. Then just mask things off with newspaper, rags and 2" wide masking tape and mix & shoot the Delstar. It will look unbelievably fantastic. Here is "tip 4" from the paper:


4. On to the engine. I see guys with nice ‘Vettes using paint out of a cheap spray can that they bought at the local parts store. People with nice ‘Vettes who use spray can paint on their engines should be charged with Vette-abuse, and sentenced to restore Honda Civics for life. If you want your engine to look perfect, to be the perfect, correct color, and to have a durable, lasting finish and shine, you want to shoot it with Delstar catalyzed urethane enamel. Here is the factory-correct color code and the whole mixing formula:

PPG Delstar Chevy Engine Orange, DAR #60524 H
Mixing Formula (1 qt, cummulative):
DMR 400 4.0 units
DMR 405 160.0 units
DMR 464 660 units
DXR 495 680 units
DMR 499 1250 units

Mix the paint 8:6:1 Delstar/DTR601 Reducer/DXR80 Catalyst and shoot it with a paint gun. If you have a new engine back from the machine shop and it’s bare metal, prime the entire engine, block, heads, etc. with PPG DP40LF Epoxy Primer mixed 2:1 with DP402LF Catalyst. You won’t believe how good it will look.

As always, contact me if you need any assistance or if you have any questions.



[Modified by lars, 4:59 PM 9/28/2002]

 

Engine paint in a quart can: http://www.quantaproducts.com/paint/paintindex.html

 

waynec,

Thanks, just what I was looking for!

Lars,

What precautions should be taken when using the catalyst type paints?
By the way, no luck looking for the points that we were searching for (was at just about every swap meet in the area this summer).

Plasticman

 

Hey Vette People,
Here is an inexpensive solution to spot touch up
paint on the engine. Here in New Orleans the only paint I could find
on the shelf was Duplicolor GM Engine "red". Incidently it was about
$3.50 at Wal-Mart. The problem was I wanted to brush paint some touch
up work. THE SOLUTION: Turn the spray can Upside Down like you do to
clean the nozzle. Only spray out all of the pressure (This can take a good
10 minutes). When you have all of the pressure released, cut the can
with a 2" tubing cutter or pipe cutter. Pour the paint into a glass
jar and let it sit overnight. The thinner used with the aerosol spray can
be poured off and mixed in as needed. I did this on my '62 with good
results. Good Luck....
Take Care,
Shawn :chevy