Painting valve covers - recommendations?

  • wbnethery3
    wbnethery3
    Senior Member
    • 437

    Painting valve covers - recommendations?

    I started cleaning up my valve covers today and realized that some of the finish paint was coming off. When I used brake cleaner, more came off if I worked at it. I wanted to re-paint them to match their original color (body color), so I don't know if I need to strip all of the current finish coat or not. I've been reading about powder coating on the forum here, but I'm not going to be able to do that. I've also read about Duplicolor engine enamel and it seems like it's a reasonable choice.

    Any opinions on whether I really need to strip the top coat to repaint them? If I strip them using a paint stripper, will that take off the black base primer coat (which I assume is baked on)? Also looking for suggestions on finish paint choices.

    Just for reference, here's a picture of one of the valve covers (before I cleaned it):

    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • Filipe
    Filipe
    Senior Member
    • 524

    #2
    I've heard great things about VHT paint.
  • designate72
    designate72
    Senior Member
    • 330

    #3
    I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to be following these instructions for mine: http://www.xenonz31.com/Enginecompon…ditioning.html

    Although I have heard good things about VHT as well.

    1986 300ZX N/A 5Speed project. Needs work, but that's the point, isn't it?
  • wbnethery3
    wbnethery3
    Senior Member
    • 437

    #4
    Thanks for the link. Great resource… I've used Xenon's site before but didn't think to look there for this.
    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • frostvectron
    frostvectron
    Senior Member
    • 1044

    #5
    Hm. You could just paint over the oem paint?
    Justin
    1986 NA 2-seater
    SCCA Solo E-Street Prepared #31
    Race Videos
    Build Thread
  • NissanEgg
    NissanEgg
    Senior Member
    • 5220

    #6
    Powder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.

    1986 300ZX Turbo…sold
    1990 Skyline GT-R…new money pit
    2014 Juke Nismo RS 6-speed…daily
  • wbnethery3
    wbnethery3
    Senior Member
    • 437

    #7
    Originally posted by NissanEgg
    Powder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.
    Yes, I realize this but am not in a position to do that right now. Will probably just paint over what is on there for now, then do a strip and powder coat one day later when I know it's a runner… maybe as part of a NA2T project.
    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • Z_Karma
    Z_Karma
    Administrator
    • 3318

    #8
    I've painted a few sets and always manage to scrape them up somehow during the installation of everything i took off
    in order to remove them. I'd do as many layers as you can.


    84 AE/Shiro #683/Shiro #820/84 Turbo
  • Axel kain
    Axel kain
    Moderator
    • 1221

    #9
    figure out your color on https://www.powderbuythepound.com/Co…er_Collection/ and PM me. I have spare VC's I could sand blast and PC for you, then you just send me your old one's once swapped out.
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • Windzer
    Windzer
    Senior Member
    • 335

    #10
    Originally posted by Axel kain
    figure out your color on https://www.powderbuythepound.com/Co…er_Collection/ and PM me. I have spare VC's I could sand blast and PC for you, then you just send me your old one's once swapped out.
    How much are you charging for this service? I have a spare set or two, and I would love to get some PC loving.
  • james
    james
    Senior Member
    • 978

    #11
    I paint stripped to bare metal, sanded to 80 grid by hand

    then VHT wrinkle coat, baked on with heat gun. Seems pretty durable and looks nice.

    85 Turbo Slick Top
    __________________________________________________ _____
  • Axel kain
    Axel kain
    Moderator
    • 1221

    #12
    I'd do valve covers at $70 a pair - we'll figure out shipping, because everyone's situation is different. if it needs to be a special powder - that would also be discussed.
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • Axel kain
    Axel kain
    Moderator
    • 1221

    #13
    here's an example of the difference. just happened, my friend wanted a nice red wrinkle. but compared to stock it's bright. in the bay it's not too bad!

    also - the heat shields are Bronze high temp.

    PC difference.jpg
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • BLOZ UP
    BLOZ UP
    Senior Member
    • 2971

    #14
    Ferrari.
    BLOZ UP.com
    It is not recommended to confirm proper installation by driving into walls or other barriers as this could cause personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
  • nyckid
    nyckid
    Member
    • 45

    #15
    you can just use air craft stripper then scrub it then wash and sand/prep. engine paint primer then your color match paint of your choice then engine clear.

    never had a prb with this method or you can polish them which is easy

    some of my cars