ok so im removing my engine to replace the opti and all the timing cover seals along with the oil pan gasket and rear main seal....the block is kinda rusty and i wanna paint it and make it look nice...i am planning to paint the block and manifold either a red or orange... besides sanding what should i do to prep the block? ... also my question is this can i make it look nice using a rattle can from auto zone etc? also im going to repaint the engine bay/sub frame also since its fading and scratched....can i get a nice looking engine and engine bay from a rattle can? im not going to buy the cheap paint and im pretty good with a can.. also i was wondering what paint you guys recommend... and should i use a rust "eating" primer or no? and as far as clear goes is that a no no in the engine bay and on the engine?

please give me your tips and opinions guys..i really wanna make my car look nice! what paint is the best for engine and engine bay???

 

Don't use a bright color. Dirt and grime show up very easily on brightly painted metal and it looks like ***, IMO. Dark colors hide the grime much better. Rest assured, you WILL accumulate road grime.

 

For preparation, mask off EVERYTHING that you don't want to paint thoroughly. Degrease the engine with Engine Brite or Brakleen to remove grime and dead paint. If you want that powdercoat finish, I suggest you fill in the block casting with POR-15 which will prevent rust and provide a smooth surface. For primer, just use engine primer that is good to 500* F. On these cars (like RamAir95TA said) do not use very bright colors because the block will get dirty and the act of cleaning it might **** up the Opti and you don't want that. I would not clearcoat the engine because from my experiences, It always turns a greenish hue when it gets hot. Rustoleum and VHT are good choices for rattle can spray jobs. For the engine bay read this post which I did with spray cans

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=695745

Basically for the engine bay:

1: Clean/degrease engine compartment, Scrub using a Scotch Bright or something similar (for detergents, I used Simple Green and Purple Power) Rinse well.

2: Sand the old paint down with 220 grit sand paper. This will remove dead paint and leave a nice painting surface. Rinse off the sanding debris. Let water dry.

3: After extensive masking of things you don't want painted, use primer suitable for automotive grade applications. Be careful not to spray too much on to avoid sags and runs. If this occurs, let the primer cure before sanding smooth.( I used Rustoleum automotive primer).

4: After primer has cured, lightly wet-sand primed surfaces with 400 grit wet-dry sand paper until surface becomes smooth.

5: Before applying paint, make sure all surface are free from dirt and debris. Use naptha or charcoal lighter ( this is whats in those $3 Duplicolor prep wipes) to clean area before painting. Let solvents evaporate

6: Apply paint in 2-3 light coats followed by a medium wet coat while waiting 15-30 min between coats. If running or sagging occurs, let the paint cure before sanding smooth and repainting. ( I used Rustoleum gloss teal )

7: After paint has cured, wet-sand the paint with 2000-3000 grit wet-dry sand paper. Be careful to keep the area that is being sanded wet to avoid excessive paint removal. Rinse off and let dry

8: Apply clearcoat in 2-3 light coats followed by a medium wet coat while waiting 15-30 min between coats. If running or sagging occurs, let the clearcoat cure before sanding smooth and reapplying clearcoat. Let cure

9: If the surface has imperfections or over-spray after it has cured, lightly wet-sand with 3000 grit wet-dry sandpaper and rinse and let dry.

10: Grab a beer and remove the masking tape.

11: Buff using polishing compound for a very nice shine. You will not believe how good a spray can job can turn out if done right.

 

ok cool thanks alot for the how to man

 

Have you got around to doing this yet? If your local I might help as I have nothing to do.

 

lol im in macomb Michigan...the engines out im just cleaning it up as of now and repairing oil leaks