and you don't have to worry about stick on pieces coming loose
Engine Bling - Covers or Paint?
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Engine Bling - Covers or Paint?
What's better, paint the existing engine components; i.e. washer, fluid tanks, radiator shroud, etc. or buy the painted covers?
Has anyone tried both? When I first started looking at the painted covers, I thought they were replacements for the stock OEM components, however I now realize they are covers that snap on. For the price, wouldn't it be easier, and perhaps look better, to paint the original components?
I appreciate any feedback on this. I've seen both types and wonder what the pros/cons are.
Thanks!
Has anyone tried both? When I first started looking at the painted covers, I thought they were replacements for the stock OEM components, however I now realize they are covers that snap on. For the price, wouldn't it be easier, and perhaps look better, to paint the original components?
I appreciate any feedback on this. I've seen both types and wonder what the pros/cons are.
Thanks!
Last edited by MSG C5; Apr 25, 2009 at 06:46 PM.
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Thanks for the feedback so far. Any concerns with engine heat and the impact on the painted OEM pieces? When I do this, I plan to use GM paint to match the exterior color, etc. to match the coolant tank, washer tank and radiator shroud.
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From: The line waiting to see Santa Claus stretched all the way back to Terre Haute, and I was at the end, Indiana
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Used painted blank covers on my wife's.
I just replaced the airbridge with a white one a couple of days ago, but no pics yet.
I just replaced the airbridge with a white one a couple of days ago, but no pics yet.
Last edited by 99mallett; Apr 25, 2009 at 09:59 PM.
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Burning Brakes
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This is what I did. I didnot like the covers for the two reservoir tanks so during the winter, they were drained and removed. I gave them to my friend who custom paints for me. He did them in MSG. I used to have stainless fender well covers, but decided to go painted covers which I bought from KEWL and got the smooth for a variation. They were repainted again though as the color they sent was not exact to my other pieces. Those are always some sort of cover. I also had my frc's painted MSG with stripes to match my exterior. The radiator support cover is just a personal choice. I think the OEM could be painted also. If you have a good painter to give all your pieces to do like I did, it should be real nice. That is sold in painted or chrome/stainless. The chrome, is very pricey, but I chose that and love it. When you replace this with chrome with Creative Engine Covers, you get a complete new OEM part underneath that has been chromed so you remove your orignial.
Laurie
Laurie
Last edited by TomBoy; Apr 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM.
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This is what I did. I didnot like the covers for the two reservoir tanks so during the winter, they were drained and removed. I gave them to my friend who custom paints for me. He did them in MSG. I used to have stainless fender well covers, but decided to go painted covers which I bought from KEWL and got the smooth for a variation. They were repainted again though as the color they sent was not exact to my other pieces. Those are always some sort of cover. I also had my frc's painted MSG with stripes to match my exterior. The radiator support cover is just a personal choice. I think the OEM could be painted also. If you have a good painter to give all your pieces to do like I did, it should be real nice. That is sold in painted or chrome/stainless. The chrome, is very pricey, but I chose that and love it. When you replace this with chrome with Creative Engine Covers, you get a complete new OEM part underneath that has been chromed so you remove your orignial.
Laurie
Laurie
Thanks Laurie (all). I'm leaning towards painting the OEM tanks and other engine trim as I plan to have some exterior paint work done so as long as I do it at the same time, the paint should match exactly.
I think the best engine bays are the ones that use a combination of custom paint, chrome and accessories. Too much of any one think can take away from the look IMO. I was at a Vette show a couple months ago and one guy had his entire engine bay covered in hydrocarbon add-ons. The pieces were high quality, however from five feet away, it looked liked one big piece of plastic covering his entire engine. In contrast, I saw another Vette that only had 4-5 hydrocarbon pieces that really helped the engine bay pop! To each his own, however I'm trying to design some tasteful contrast.
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As long as you can do a good job of painting, then yes, using your existing ones would be much cheaper. I'm not that talented in the painting department, so I went with the covers. They fit just fine and looked great IMO. Expensive yes, but the difference in the way the engine bay looked was priceless.
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As long as you can do a good job of painting, then yes, using your existing ones would be much cheaper. I'm not that talented in the painting department, so I went with the covers. They fit just fine and looked great IMO. Expensive yes, but the difference in the way the engine bay looked was priceless.
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I like the covers for two reasons you always have the original stock parts to revert to if you decide to sell, and nice covers can be sold here in a few minutes if you decide to go a different route. I chose Torch red as an accent color/ Arctic white car so my painted areas need not match the car color. The covers aren't terrribly expensive, but it comes down to if you DIY is it going to be good enough(many here are!) or just pay the cash to have them painted. Whichever you choose good luck
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If you buy covers, they will most likely need paint also. I LIVE on a budget so I have to look at most inexpensive (cheapest) way to do what I want. I painted all of mine with rattlecan base/clear.
