Engine paint job

I plan to have my flathead engine rebuilt shortly. What is the best way to get a good engine paint job? I am not interested in a "show quality" finish, and may not even do the original color, but, I am interested in a good looking, durable paint job. Someone mentioned using primer. What do you all suggest?

 

If you are really that laid back about it, don't bother. It'll get you a lot of chances to discuss "why" you didn't in the future. If any motor I ever overhauled got a decent paint job I don't remember which one. Just don't make a lot of sense to me. Oil film pretty much keeps them from rustin'........., never wash my motor either.

 

I have always used CATALYZED car paint, mostly acrylic enamel (in the past), and some base/clear (now).

This has always worked with excellent results and extreme durability.

Get all traces of oil off, go VERY light on the primer, use just enough paint to get good coverage/finish and NOTHING extra.

>>edit I think that your flathead would look good in the same old school red that your car is painted.... and I always clean the **** out of and paint up my engines, even if it is for a work truck, I just have to.....

 

If you do a search there are some good threads on this...

 

i bet you will find most guys will say use base/clear. this works good. dont put more material on than needed. the thicker the material the more chance you will have of the paint failing later.

 

Like 30 all Ford said............. get any traces of oil off. Everthing is in the prep.

 

I would clean it super good and then prime it and paint it..maybe high heat paint

I'm going to be painting my metallic red pretty soon here, it's currently original chevy orange

 

Just make sure it is CLEAN. About any paint will do ok. I usually use a good automotive paint with a clearcoat.
Butch

 

If your going to paint your exhaust I used potbelly black paint on my extractors, it has a much higher heat rating than normal exhaust paint, not too thick is the key, and a clean oil free surface.

 

Listen to 39 All Ford. Extremely clean, light primer, and two-part catalyzed enamel. "High heat" paint doesn't hold up.

 

Do a search...lots of threads on prep work, types of primer, types of paint, how to clean the parts, which parts need primer, which 'kinda' don't. Even one or more on grinding it smooth, for a show engine.;

 

get the por15 engine enamel kit.. my engines have never lost shine. I recommend painting it all apart. Make sure the metal is paint free and use the recommended solvents in the kit, if not it flakes!

 

I use high temp paint.

 

Get it clean first. If it's being rebuilt then it shuld be degreased from the shop. Then wash with wax and grease remover and dry it well. A coat of Epoxy primer to cover only. Keep it light, then a couple of coats of Single stage automotive paint. This should last about 10 years.

The Old Tinbasher

 

Be sure to use metal prep on the bare metal. If you don't, eventually the paint will come off. The hot tank has some good chemicals in it to clean the block and they stay in the pores of the metal.

 

muriatic acid kills all the hot tank chemicals ant etches very nicely

 

Thanks! that's a lot to chew on, but sounds great.