When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just finished my engine bay this week. I used semi gloss POR15 followed by a 2 part Epoxy satin paint from Summit Racing.
The name of the paint from Summit is Chassis Shield and cost about $50 for a quart including the catalyst. I also used it on my AC compressor, pulleys and brackets. It has the perfect sheen of black in my opinion.
The POR 15 looked pretty good by itself, but it came out kind of streaky. You need to spray the Epoxy paint over the POR 15 before it completly drys or it will not stick to the POR15.
I blasted the brackets and pulleys and sprayed them with Summits epoxy primer before shooting the black.
Napa also makes some very good paint I can't recall the part number but it's called trim black and they also make chassis paint it's called chassis black
If you have access to a compressor and spray gun, I think the 2 part catalyzed paints would be more durable than the rattle cans, and depending on how much you need possibly even less expensive. The Chassis Shield kit I bought from Summit was about 50 dollars, but makes 2 quarts of spayable product. Most rattle cans only have a few ounces of paint in them..the rest is propellant.
I have not tried the SEM product, but I know they do make pretty good paints.
Having limited resources and time this last summer, I went with rattle can from the big box store. Since a frame-off wasn't planned (this project started out fixing a leaky radiator and grew exponentially as I started unbolting stuff), I wanted paint that was easy to recreate.
Used Rustoleum Hi Performance enamel in semi-gloss black after a thorough cleaning, degreasing, and more cleaning. Used the better part of 3 cans, recoating road-exposed areas at least twice. Paid about 6 bucks for each can.
Ended up with this:
I plan on taking lots of "prior to" regular driving images because I don't expect museum level presentations after a few months of use. I plan on occasional touch ups and I like the rattle can solution for that too.
In a perfect world, I'd probably have used POR-15 and powder-coated everything else. This fit my budget until I win a lotto (yeah, right).
Last edited by Dustup7T2; Oct 27, 2009 at 03:11 PM.
Napa also makes some very good paint I can't recall the part number but it's called trim black and they also make chassis paint it's called chassis black
NAPA makes a very good paint...MARTIN SENOUR line...excellent spraying with no runs, drips or errors. I used their #7243 Chassis Black on the frame and #7254 Black Lacquer on brackets, etc. If you have bare metal, use NAPA's Self Etching Primer.
Satin or semi-gloss black for the frame and engine/accessory components; semi-flat black for the engine compartment surfaces and wheelwells. I see nothing wrong with using Rustoleum on the frame, if you have cleaned it well before painting. You would have to do a better job than GM did on painting the frame.
Hi Todd,
In addition to the Krylon and SEM that's been mentioned, I hear that people are happy with John Deere Blitz Black.
I still prefer the old Krylon #1613, but its getting harder and harder to find. I use the same paint on the frame (but spray it wetter so it's a little glossy, as the inner panels and firewall (but spray it dryer for less shine).
I'd experiment with a couple of tests to get the look you want. There should be some various levels of shine. Remember it was done quick and erratically at St. Louis.
Regards,
Alan
Anybody use the Duplicolor semi-gloss black engine enamel with ceramic on non-engine parts? I did the pedal and brace for my Chevelle this weekend and happy with the sheen. Just wondering if anybody else uses this.......................B
[QUOTE=Alan 71;1571958773]
I still prefer the old Krylon #1613, but its getting harder and harder to find.
I did a search for this Krylon, seems to be available in quantities everywhere I looked, might be different when you order it, but it is available from what I see.....................
Hi CL,
What I was referring to is that the paint that's available in retail outlets now is called 51613. And it's a different formula.
You're right... 1613 can be bought or ordered from industrial suppliers.
Regards,
Alan
Found the link for the Krylon k01613. It looks like it is carried in there industrial line now and can be ordered at Sherwin Williams paint stores. I'm still not sure if it is the old formula or not.
Anybody use the Duplicolor semi-gloss black engine enamel with ceramic on non-engine parts? I did the pedal and brace for my Chevelle this weekend and happy with the sheen. Just wondering if anybody else uses this.......................B
I used this and found that it was way to glossy even for a semi gloss
Hi Todd,
In addition to the Krylon and SEM that's been mentioned, I hear that people are happy with John Deere Blitz Black.
I still prefer the old Krylon #1613, but its getting harder and harder to find. I use the same paint on the frame (but spray it wetter so it's a little glossy, as the inner panels and firewall (but spray it dryer for less shine).
I'd experiment with a couple of tests to get the look you want. There should be some various levels of shine. Remember it was done quick and erratically at St. Louis.
Regards,
Alan
Virginia Vettes sell the John Deere kit for $40. That is one quart paint, a half pint of catalyst and a pint of reducer.
1-757-229-0011. We ship the same day.
Virginia Vettes