I have the original engine, transmission and suspension removed from my 77. Before I install new components I want to refresh the frame and engine compartment.

I do not intend to do a frame off and this will not be a trailer queen. I just want it to look clean, correct and be easy to maintain. There is only minor surface rust on the frame.

What is the proper procedure for cleaning and painting the frame. Can it be sprayed or is it brush painted? Is there a special primer and color?

I intend to blast the removable components, prime them and spray paint.

 

There isn't one. Clean and paint any way which works for you.

Yes. They were sprayed at the A. O. Smith factory the day they were made.

Up to you. Do not confuse factory sound deadener/undercoating for frame paint.

No. Not unless your frame paint calls for something specific.

Semi flat black.

Make a note of the factory stencil on the passenger's side. It will show the GM part number for the frame, the A. O. Smith lot number, and the date A. O. Smith put it together. Some time after that date, they shipped it to St. Louis. It probably got stored outside for a while - possibly rained or snowed on - before it was brought into the building and made its way under your Corvette.

 

i took a different path.....and added insulation, new vacuum hoses, hood insulation and gloss gray that was easy to wipe down

 

Hi my,
Although Bob's compartment looks very good, my feeling is that any gloss finish shows what ever imperfections there, (and there will be some), much more than a semi-gloss or semi-flat black paint will.
A flat finish shows the least imperfections, but is difficult to maintain compared to semi-flat or gloss.
A good look can be obtained by not being tempted to paint everything black, but to try to copy the colors of the original finishes.
Eastwood Products has a vast selection of detail paints for the engine, engine compartment, frame, steering, and suspension pieces. Have you checked out their catalogue?
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

if you want the spray can name "Satin" is the "semi flat black" and i used that on the fire wall. i try to stay away from the flat black because its hard to wipe down. on my engine compartment i just use those orange wipes on the gray inner fenders to keep them clean. but i am not looking to be original. and yes the semigloss or gloss will show all imperfections.

 

I normally use Rust Oleum satin black on most of the engine compartments I've freshened up. Also find Rust Oleum stainless steel pretty good for several other parts. Also, a note on the hood liner. I've found Knauf commercial HVAC duct work liner to work pretty good, as has a tough facing on it thats black. If you can find a local sheet metal duct work shop, sure they'd sell you some.

 

Frame: Wire brush off all loose rust. Do not try to remove all rust. Apply rust 'converter' (chemically changes rust to an inert substance that will prevent further rusting) to any areas that still have rust showing. Clean with detergent and/or pressure washer to get rid of ALL grease/oil/road grime/etc. Paint frame semi-gloss black: Rustoleum works fine, if you aren't going to drive it in bad weather conditions very often. POR is great...just more expensive and takes more time to do correctly.

Engine compartment: Keep that pressure washer goin'. Spray compartment panels/surfaces with semi-flat or satin black paint. That is closest to factory blackout sheen.

Engine components/accessories: Black parts are semi-gloss black. DO NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP OF JUST PAINTING EVERYTHING BLACK. It will look 'better' right after you do it. The next day you will say "What was I thinking???" Try to paint all bare metal, but retain the original color. There are good paints out there: Seymour "Cast Blast" ceramic cast iron paint for exhaust manifolds; VHT aluminum, stainless steel, etc. paints for like components; and, unless you decide to replate your bare metal fasteners (or buy new $tainle$$ $teel fastener$ ), just coat them with clear engine enamel [not the threads, of course]. I think I used 5 or 6 different paint coatings when I refurbished my steering box. But, it looks good, it looks similar to original, and it isn't going to rust/corrode!! Coat everything and it will stay looking that good for many years.

Good luck...and have fun!!