Painting valve covers - recommendations?
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wbnethery3Senior 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
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FilipeSenior Member
- 524
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designate72Senior Member
- 330
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? -
wbnethery3Senior Member
- 437
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
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frostvectronSenior Member
- 1044
Hm. You could just paint over the oem paint? -
NissanEggSenior Member
- 5220
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 -
wbnethery3Senior Member
- 437
Originally posted by NissanEggPowder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.'86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)
My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back
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Z_KarmaAdministrator
- 3318
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 kainModerator
- 1221
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.
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WindzerSenior Member
- 335
Originally posted by Axel kainfigure 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. -
jamesSenior Member
- 978
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
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Axel kainModerator
- 1221
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 kainModerator
- 1221
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.jpgDamn dirty angels....these cars!
Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
sigpic -
BLOZ UPSenior Member
- 2971
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. -
nyckidMember
- 45