engine detailing

[Unfrozn]

I'm in the process of detailing my engine compartment.

I have removed everything I plan to before degreasing and pressure washing including hood, radiator, inner fenders, brake booster, fan shroud, fan and pulley, alternator, and heater hoses. Bagged and taped up the carb and distributor. I will be replacing most of the wiring anyway and the spark plugs, temperature sending unit, wires and cap/rotor.

My issue is that my engine block is starting to peel and chip in a few spots. The detailing job will just look half ars if your still looking at chipped paint on the block. I want to paint the block but don't want to have to pull the engine to do it. I realize I can't cover the whole thing like it was if it were on a stand. But my car isn't a show car and I'll be satisfied if I can just get the paint that's on there to look better and not be two tone. The paint is already blue to match the body and I don't want to change the color, so I was hoping I could prep it as best I can with the engine in the car, take the headers, water pump and manifold off and tape the heck out of everything else and on the surrounding frame/suspension/firewall...then paint away to cover as best I can from different angles. I know the trick in using a paper towel tube to aim the spary in tight areas.

Lazy man's way I know but am I that far off? Anyone else deal with this?

 

[C-1 generation 2]

When I detailed my 79 I didn't even remove my exhaust,but I did remove the radiator,water pump,pullies,hoses,belts,plugs and wires and in general cleaned everything by hand with scraper,degreaser,lava soap with bristled brush and tooth brush and scotch brite pads.In places where you have trouble spraying use a cheap one inch paint brush and brush the paint on after you spray it in a cup,mainly engine and exhaust.With the exhaust mainfold when I couldn't find the color I wanted I just mixed silver and black high temp paint until I got the right color and just brushed it on and after a year it still looks good.I've got pictures of before and after at www.photobucket.com/albums/d160/62f79 Make sure you click the Camaro pictures.

 

[Unfrozn]

Thanks C-1.

That's good news for me. I was debating about pulling the engine, but since it is really running okay with no obvious problems (besides small oil leak), the only real reason I was going to pull it was to paint the block and maybe change the oil pan gasket and engine mounts (if necessary). I've never pulled an engine and really didn't want to go through the whole ordeal.

The engine mounts might not even need replacement but since my tranny mount was blown and recently replaced I figured it wouldn't be long before the motor mounts needed to be replaced...but those can be changed with the engine still in the car. And the oil pan gasket...harder to change in the car, but still possible...and if I don't get to it soon...well, it a SBC and of course it's going to leak a little oil

The only other reason I was going to pull it was because it would give me better access to replace the front brake lines but, again, this can be done (although harder) with the engine in place.

Other than clean the block really good, did you use any type of primer or just straight paint?

Thanks again and anyone else with tips or tricks don't be shy.

 

[C-1 generation 2]

No primer on the engine or valve covers,the valve covers and air cleaner was bead blasted first.If you have flaking paint make sure you feather out the edges.Someone else posted before that aluminum foil is good for masking someplaces that are hard to mask.Also get masking paper rather than using a news paper.If you decide to paint your fresh air intake grill on the cowl after you clean it good use vinyl interior paint it will flex and not crack.If you have a digital camera take picture before you disassemble especially your brackets for alt,ps,ac.Bag and tag all parts,takes longer when taking apart, but it makes putting thing back together faster.

 

[Unfrozn]

I have discolored chrome valve covers and air cleaner, so I was planning on buying new ones. Also, I don't have a cowl screen in there now so I will be buying that, too.

Yes, I'm taking tons of pictures and putting things in plastic bags and labelling everything.

Thanks for the tips. I'll post pics when I'm done (in a month or so).