Painting a Block
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Painting a Block
As I will be getting my block back from the shop in a day or two, a couple questions come to mind.
1. How do you paint the rear of the block? I imagine it would be tough to do while on a stand. Should I just paint the rear first, then put it on a stand to do the rest?
2. Is it better to just paint the whole thing after complete reassembly, or paint each piece and then a final once-over before dropping it back in? Keep in mind that I will be completing this as time and $$ allows - block first, then heads, etc. It could be a while!
3. Outside of the obvious (high-temp engine paint) is there any particular type or brand of paint that I should look for or stay away from?
4. How many coats are required for best long-term durability?
5. What type of prep will ensure best results?
Thanks for your help.
Bill
1. How do you paint the rear of the block? I imagine it would be tough to do while on a stand. Should I just paint the rear first, then put it on a stand to do the rest?
2. Is it better to just paint the whole thing after complete reassembly, or paint each piece and then a final once-over before dropping it back in? Keep in mind that I will be completing this as time and $$ allows - block first, then heads, etc. It could be a while!
3. Outside of the obvious (high-temp engine paint) is there any particular type or brand of paint that I should look for or stay away from?
4. How many coats are required for best long-term durability?
5. What type of prep will ensure best results?
Thanks for your help.
Bill
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Rimbey Canada
Painting a Block
I am no expert but I believe that if you paint the back of the block first then put it on the engine stand would work the best. I also think that you should paint the engine piece by piece which would look better when your finished and I think 4 or 5 coats should be plenty, just DONT get any paint on the gasket surfaces as it would creat sealing problems for your gaskets.
Steve
Ashes to AShes
Dust to Dust
Without ch*vs
our tools would rust
Steve
Ashes to AShes
Dust to Dust
Without ch*vs
our tools would rust
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: LAT 46.55501° & LON -122
Painting a Block
I like to paint each part seperate. Makes it easier to get behind areas such as the water pump. Unless you are getting chrome/stainless fastners, paint all the visible bolt heads black. It takes a little extra time, but it shows and looks good by adding contrast.
I am not sure why you are worried about the back of the engine. Anything inside of the bellhousing will not show anyway. Spend extra prep time on the valve covers and air cleaners. Sand-blast off the old paint if possible on these items as these will show the most when everything is all together.
I have had good luck with Krylon Ford Blue. It seems fairly durable and was a close match to original color. I used Plasti-Kote previously but left un-removeable white stains when my radiator cap leaked coolant all over the engine. It was as if the coolant "bleached" the paint.
I am not sure why you are worried about the back of the engine. Anything inside of the bellhousing will not show anyway. Spend extra prep time on the valve covers and air cleaners. Sand-blast off the old paint if possible on these items as these will show the most when everything is all together.
I have had good luck with Krylon Ford Blue. It seems fairly durable and was a close match to original color. I used Plasti-Kote previously but left un-removeable white stains when my radiator cap leaked coolant all over the engine. It was as if the coolant "bleached" the paint.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Painting a Block
I use Acetone for the prep work. the hardest part of painting a block is getting off ALL the dirt and oil. If you just got it back from the shop, then I'd use paper towels and acetone. Wipe it down several times then use a clean paint brush to remove any of the paper towel parts.
If you let the block dry after a wipe down, you should be able to see the oil marks in the right light, if the metal looks all the same then it should be clean.
The exhaust part of the heads are a trouble spot, my paint went darker there but no real problem.
4 to 5 coats is fine, just allow plenty of dry time between coats. Tape off everything you can, then use the acetone to catch any overspray before it dries.
If you let the block dry after a wipe down, you should be able to see the oil marks in the right light, if the metal looks all the same then it should be clean.
The exhaust part of the heads are a trouble spot, my paint went darker there but no real problem.
4 to 5 coats is fine, just allow plenty of dry time between coats. Tape off everything you can, then use the acetone to catch any overspray before it dries.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 845
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca.
Painting a Block
>The exhaust part of the heads are a trouble spot, my paint
>went darker there but no real problem.
When I did my 390 I painted the exhaust part of my heads high heat black to avoid discoloration. Looked kinda cool I thought. I also painted the parts separately. I think it looks better when you don't have paint covering all the bolts and seams like the engine was dipped in a vat of paint. For what it's worth, I read an article in a V.W. magazine that said engines painted black ran cooler. They tested engines painted different colors and black was the coolest. These were air cooled engines. If you notice a lot of air cooled motorcycle engines are painted black. I don't know if it would make any difference on a water cooled engine. I think Ford blue works just fine. Looks a lot better too. Good luck with your project.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jayman1976
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Nov 12, 2014 01:17 PM
LARIAT 85
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jul 22, 2011 04:59 PM
BIGskinny
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Jun 2, 2011 03:09 PM
powerstroker100
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
10
Jul 9, 2010 04:46 PM
