JW is starting the final assembly on the Stage 2 engine and I am wondering the best way to finish the intake so that it stays fresh and clean looking. I see many show quality engine compartments and wonder what are the secret methods for getting the correct look and also protecting it so that it stays fresh looking. I plan to drive the car but still want it to be near show quality as a driver. I'm told that gas stains and oil are the biggest issues. I also thought there was a powder coating CLEAR that might work. Has anyone done a powder coat clear on an intake? Pictures? Here's a few pics of the Holley carb back from Holley's Custom Shop who did a complete rebuild and restoration. Many thanks to Guy P. for all his help and selling me the carb!! Thanks!! Rob
The clear powdercoat preserves the aluminum color and is quite durable, but I hate the glossy finish. I don't know if there is any way to achieve a flat finish or not. Devon
I use Krylon's Dull Aluminum spray enamel. The finish is a tad bright, but it's cheap, durable, doesn't discolor (even on the exhaust ports) and touches up easily. You can see how the flat finish compares to the polished aluminum balancer hub and water pump. Devon
Rob- as stated in the pm's, I don't use anything...just glass bead it, then hit it with brake clean and put it on. Did it on many intakes for years. If anything does get on it stain wise or anything, I just clean it with brake clean and a white rag again. Guy
I powder coat alot of the parts when I do a engine build, It stands up very well. Doesn't fade, or diss-color. I use it on new intakes and TA diff covers. I love the stuff, It is a great way to clean up old parts to make them look new again. I just did a 69 sport wagon and I used it on the pulley's, and brackets ie throttle braket,timing hold down, coil braket, alt brakets etc. Gloss clear on the new intake a TA diff cover. I normally I use satin on the intake but wanted to do something different this time. The first two pics are all done with color, no clear. It stands up very well and is pretty cheap to get done. Chris
Chris, I've seen some semi-gloss, almost flat color powder jobs, but do you know if you can get a clear powdercoat in semi or flat? That would be neat. Beautiful work, by the way. Looks like we're both fans of the black TA covers w/script highlights! I didn't like the look of my aluminum-colored covers after switching to aluminum heads. Devon
I do satin all the time, and I'm pretty sure they do flat. The stuff cleans up pulley's real nice.......
Ive used Clear coat. I layed it on nice and thick so it would get into the little pours and create an even surface. Gas and oil stains still won. I cant get it out with brake cleaner. (maybe my engine bay is "used" too often?) Another idea is to get it Anodized. Al2 O3 is like the 3rd hardest thing known to man. Hows that for durability?
With the powder coating the only thing that will stain it is octane booster, C12 race fuel etc won't touch it. Here is a link to a wagon I just did and all most everything on the engine is powder coated. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=188146 Chris
Not only did I do my intake,but I had the timing cover done as well. Clean up is a breeze and it's held up for 2-3 years now...
