Under Hood detailing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
Under Hood detailing
Ok, my small block 68 was frame off restored about 10 years ago.
The engine compartment looks a little dingy. Valve cover and intake paint peeling/flaking. The black firewall and inner fenders look ok but dull. Same with hoses, a little rust on some clamps and bits here and there. The ignition shielding is in a box and needs rechromed (or bought new). Probably could use some plug wires.
So what to do?
Short of pulling the engine and repainting everything, what would be the best way to spruce it up? How much dissasembly? (carb, valve covers, coil,...)
I'm jealous of all those engine bays in the show cars....
The engine compartment looks a little dingy. Valve cover and intake paint peeling/flaking. The black firewall and inner fenders look ok but dull. Same with hoses, a little rust on some clamps and bits here and there. The ignition shielding is in a box and needs rechromed (or bought new). Probably could use some plug wires.
So what to do?
Short of pulling the engine and repainting everything, what would be the best way to spruce it up? How much dissasembly? (carb, valve covers, coil,...)
I'm jealous of all those engine bays in the show cars....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
What I did was remove all accessories from front of engine. Removed exhaust manifolds and all hoses. Jacked up one side of engine removed one motor mount at a time and painted engine in place after masking off frame. Painted frame and just worked around everything else. Installed new hoses and belts, cleaned or polished everything else. Looked 100% better. I did this over 10yrs. ago and it still looks good. mds...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
cool! never thought of jacking up one side of the engine. How is this done, do you put a jack against the oil pan? If not, where?
Did you remove the intake manifold?
what type of paint?
put up a pic if ya got one!
Did you remove the intake manifold?
what type of paint?
put up a pic if ya got one!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
I used a 2X6 on end and jacked against oil pan rail. Two ton floor jack. Must be sure jack cannot move or 2X6 pivots and comes down.
I removed oil pan and replaced gasket. Also removed intake and t-stat housing and painted with spray can. Did not know about Forum at time, there may be better paint available. Had original water pump rebuilt, new fuel pump, thermostat. Repainted air cleaner assy. and used repro. GM sticker. I did not repaint underside of hood or engine bay as I liked the original look. Frame and engine were bare though and had to be painted. I am trying to keep car as original as poss. If photobucket is working I will get pic.. mds...
I removed oil pan and replaced gasket. Also removed intake and t-stat housing and painted with spray can. Did not know about Forum at time, there may be better paint available. Had original water pump rebuilt, new fuel pump, thermostat. Repainted air cleaner assy. and used repro. GM sticker. I did not repaint underside of hood or engine bay as I liked the original look. Frame and engine were bare though and had to be painted. I am trying to keep car as original as poss. If photobucket is working I will get pic.. mds...
Last edited by mds3013; Mar 21, 2010 at 11:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,134
Likes: 4,206
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi fw,
You've gotten some good suggestions. The more you're willing to take apart the better the job turns out in my opinion.
Here's a picture of my compartment as I worked on it years ago before I decided to lift the body. Even with leaving the engine in place you need to decide how far you're willing to go and for how long (if at all) are you willing to give up driving your car. The second picture is after the body was off. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
It's in the detail!
You've gotten some good suggestions. The more you're willing to take apart the better the job turns out in my opinion.
Here's a picture of my compartment as I worked on it years ago before I decided to lift the body. Even with leaving the engine in place you need to decide how far you're willing to go and for how long (if at all) are you willing to give up driving your car. The second picture is after the body was off. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
It's in the detail!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,551
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
10 years later mine needs so touch up again too!
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Mar 21, 2010 at 11:34 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 4
From: Alcolu S.C.
I have done it both with the engine in and out. It is definitely easier with the engine out, but you can do a nice job with it in.
I did an engine compartment with the engine in on a '61 vette.
Take out as much as you can.
You will end up with this.
Just take your time and do it correctly. It will last for years.
Here is a pic. of the vette.
I did an engine compartment with the engine in on a '61 vette.
Take out as much as you can.
You will end up with this.
Just take your time and do it correctly. It will last for years.
Here is a pic. of the vette.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Jackson MO
[QUOTE=OURSHARK;1573497538]I have done it both with the engine in and out. It is definitely easier with the engine out, but you can do a nice job with it in.
I did an engine compartment with the engine in on a '61 vette.
That's a beautiful car! Can you tell me what color of red that is?
I did an engine compartment with the engine in on a '61 vette.
That's a beautiful car! Can you tell me what color of red that is?
