Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums cosmetic-interior-exterior/Painting valve covers - recommendations?
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wbnethery3: (2014-03-24 02:19:43)
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):
[archived image: DSC04475.jpg]
Filipe: (2014-03-24 03:20:06)
I've heard great things about VHT paint.
designate72: (2014-03-24 03:50:32)
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.
wbnethery3: (2014-03-24 04:49:33)
Thanks for the link. Great resource… I've used Xenon's site before but didn't think to look there for this.
frostvectron: (2014-03-24 05:38:53)
Hm. You could just paint over the oem paint?
NissanEgg: (2014-03-24 12:49:08)
Powder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.
wbnethery3: (2014-03-24 14:08:51)
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.
Z_Karma: (2014-03-24 16:33:49)
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.
Axel kain: (2014-03-24 20:43:02)
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.
Windzer: (2014-03-24 21:12:47)
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: (2014-03-24 23:43:09)
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.
[archived image: WP_20140104_008_zpsef021553.jpg]
Axel kain: (2014-03-25 14:39:40)
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.
Axel kain: (2014-03-25 16:07:07)
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
BLOZ UP: (2014-03-25 16:14:01)
Ferrari.
nyckid: (2014-03-25 17:11:24)
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
[archived image: th_767646197_00w0w_9KNzC3h6LVn_600x450_122_466lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767647657_59272accord_motor_122_363lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767647817_picture007et_122_88lo.jpg]
[archived image: th_767648473_picture009wy_122_98lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767648764_picture015pn_122_87lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767649262_picture033nm_122_472lo.jpg]
[archived image: th_767649626_Picture005_122_155lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767650607_Picture021_122_472lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767650244_Picture061_122_503lo.jpg]
[archived image: th_767650652_Picture062_122_169lo.jpg] [archived image: th_767652965_Sciroccoenginebay86_122_478lo.jpg]
Axel kain: (2014-03-25 17:13:48)
^ that works too! although fumy. haha.
MAXecutive: (2014-04-26 04:42:08)
I attempted to used aircraft stripper but ran out of patience. I ended up sanding it down by hand and with a power sander. Multiple coats of VHT primer, color, and clear.
[archived image: IMG_6141.jpg]
[archived image: IMG_6144.jpg]
862sik: (2014-04-27 06:25:03)
I personally like duplicolor. CLean it up very good and sand it. Use some primer to help adhere it and paint. It holds up good but if you get degreaser on it it doesn't last (probably because I didn't do a clear coat).
The only dislike about VHT is that you have to heat it to bake it.
Im going to powdercoat next.