What to use to paint valve covers

[halfasspunk]

In the very near future, I am going to have my valve covers and all of that jazz off, and I am thinking about painting them, what all do i need to do to paint them? Just clean them and paint or do i have to sand them and paint, or do i need a primer? Also, what kind of paint? Will engine enamel work? Or is there something even better? Thx

Jim

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

hey Jim, i dont think you need to sand them because i think theyre just a heavy plastic. anyone, anyone? but i would imagine some high temp paint will do the trick. you could primer if you like but i dont think it would make a huge difference as long as you used a few coats of paint. let us know how it turns out. i have a spare intake and spare valve covers i plan on powder coating or painting soon.
Bob

<small>[ June 23, 2003, 06:55 AM: Message edited by: BlackOnBlackATX ]</small>

 

[Off Road SHO]

They're aluminum. Have them powder coated. The powder coat guys will sand blast them for you first and the powder coat lasts forever. Mine cost 30.00 to do at AZ Powdercoat.

Tom

<small>[ June 23, 2003, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: Off Road SHO ]</small>

 

[yamahaSHO]

Off Road SHO:
They're aluminum. Have them powder coated. The powder coat guys will sand blast them for you first and the powder coat lasts forever. Mine cost 30.00 to do at AZ Powdercoat.

Tom

Tom,
How much did they charge for your intake???

 

[halfasspunk]

You can have them powder coat it any color?

 

[Off Road SHO]

Jason,

I think they charged me 60.00 for the intake, 30.00 for the oil pan. It helps if you're not in a big hurry and choose a common color like My "Other Woman". Her base color is Blood Red with Near Chrome on all her suspension parts.


HalfAss,
Yes you can get just about any color. Customized to match something is very expensive though. Each powder coating company stocks their own selection of colors, so if you don't see what you want, go to another company.


Jason, how do I put a pic in my sig like yours (only better)

Tom

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

Off Road SHO:
They're aluminum. Have them powder coated.

Tom

ah, you learn something new everyday, and that would explain why the ones i had shipped were so friggin heavy in the box. thanks man!

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

If you have the option, I would suggest gettin them anodized thumb

Very cool, and VERY durable boink

I dont know how it would compare to powdercoating $$ wise, but might be worth a look wink

 

[halfasspunk]

NotSoSlowSHO:
If you have the option, I would suggest gettin them anodized thumb

Who does anodizing?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Just have to check around. Some shops that do powdercoating anodize as well. And any shop that powdercoats will know of a place to anodize.

I dont expect it to be cheap. It is a pretty extensive process. I have anodized a lot of aluminum, but it was all small stuff, in a home anodizing setup.

Google it and you should find some online resources and info about the process, and even home built setups thumb

It isnt hard at all. Chemicals and electricity. You just have to be careful, and precise

 

[blewbyu]

I have seen excellant results from that Guy Mike D. @ hypercoat.com, I think it is like 350 or 400 with gaskets.