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As I plan my '79 F-350 build, I was wondering what everyone's doing in the engine bay area? I have what probably everyone has, is the original galvanized looking inner metal fenders (if that's what they're called)? They look dirty and very uncool for a resto engine bay area. Any way to make them look better? Was hoping to keep as close to stock as possible. I don't think they ever came painted from the factory but maybe some of you can chime in and give me your opinions or what you've done. Thanks.
There are a few threads on here where people discuss the different paints that they used to mimic the factory color of the inner fenders.
I haven't bothered painting the trucks I currently own, but on my old '75 F-150 I had the engine rebuilt and while the engine was out I rattle canned the entire engine bay gloss black. I did a primer first and then the black and it held up for over a decade before that truck disintegrated and I sent it off to the crusher. It's probably not everyone's cup of tea, but it really made the new engine pop and made it the center of attention when you'd open the hood.
I've developed some paint schemes to simulate other plated finishes but could never come up with one that mimics the mottled finish hot dip galvanized which I think these were made from. Never saw anyone else do it either. The galvanizing spray isn't close in my opinion nor is it designed to be a cosmetic match. Probably better off with a paint like Krylon Dull Aluminum or maybe a brighter silver first then misted with the Dull Aluminum. Another spray can paint I have used as a base when simulating finishes is Seymour Stainless Steel.
Wow, that's a great job GTT, one of the few people that have replaced the cowl to hood seal, battery hold down, seal between rad support and grill. Are those spark plug wires the Ford Sipcon ones? Hinges were that natural coated grayish finish Iirc. Those look better than black.
If it's of any interest I had mine blasted and hot dipped locally. I got the reference from a local steel supply house. I paid right about 500.00 to have both done. I sold the truck a few years back or else I would post a picture but it looked like factory which is what I was going for.
I did that on my last car and did not like the color match thing. To easily chipped then it is muffed for the rest of the time with no chance of touch that looks good. That’s why I really like the original.
I just went through this and after some research this is kind of where I'm at. I wanted to regalvanize them but after talking to several companies that were willing to help me we decided it cannot be done, the heat would ruin them most likely. what they need is a zinc coating and the only place I could find to do a part this big refused to do it , they said it wasn't worth the risk of contamination for them. maybe it can be done I don't know. so what I did was use Rustoleum Hammerite silver paint. no, it's not a prefect match but I think it's closer than most and it's very durable. I did use some Eastwood's zinc coating paint lightly over sprayed to tone it down a bit. it looks decent enough I think I can live with it.
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