Do you need to prime an aluminum intake before painting with engine enamel?

I don't like the dull look after sand blasting,I'd rather have it shiney engine color.

 

back in my aircraft days we used zinc chromate primer on aluminum first

 

^^^ Yep 36-3window is correct....still work at Spirit (Boeing)...prep it with Alodine, Zinc Chromate Primer, then paint...

 

Asked and answered. Now let's see how many more times it gets answered!

 

I've had very good luck painting over bare aluminum by using a product from SEM called Bulldog Adhesion Promoter. Made for the purpose.

 

I don't like to give away my secrets but this is what I do to brighten up blasted aluminum or cast iron. After it is blasted, use a wire wheel, any kind, from a bench grinder down to a cheap harbor freight $17 die grinder with with cheap harbor freight $7 wire wheels. This will brighten the metal up to shiny again. Then, get a can of 2000 degree rattle can clear engine enamel. If they don't have it they can get it the next day, if they can't, you need a new parts store. I think you will like the look. I will post pictures of my trucks 235 with aluminum intake and cast headers, both done with that treatment, it makes me happy. I will be able to talk about longivity in a year or two.

 

In a word, no

 

Here's my version. If the intake is sandblasted and you use good engine enamel (VHT is my fave) it will stick forever without any primer. If it is smooth aluminum, I'd use chromate primer.

now the thread is over

 

I would scuff it really good, clean it and spray some engine primer and then engine paint. Dupli Color sells the engine primer

 

Sim self etching primer is my choice.

 

So true! haha

 

Im definately going to try this, thanks Chevy G***er.

 

Gotta love these threads, it will be 15 Yes 14 No