I am about to tear down my dad's 78 F100. It has a 460 in it that isnt the original motor. The engine was built for bracket racing by the previous owner and the truck was used for that. It still runs unbelievably great so I may not tear it down and rebuild it. If I decide not to do a rebuild, can someone give me pointers on painting it all correctly while assembled? Things like brackets, pulleys, valve covers, etc will be removed and painted separately, I'm talking mainly about the heads/block/trans.


Thanks,
Shane

 

I can't tell you what colors etc to use.. But.. Engine paint is very fragile until it is cured. I got some "purple power" on it when I was cleaning something else and it took the paint right off.. Once the engine has been nice a hot a few times the paint cures and it won't come off as easy..

We painted our motor with the motor dis-assembled.. Just remember.. don't paint where oil goes.. a little tiny bit of overspray is ok.. but keep it as little as possible.... e.g. cover the top of the heads when you paint the heads...

here is a pic of our "lego" motor.. Just about every part is painted..




~Mark

 

Hey Maniak, Didn't know there was a Vail Az. I grew up in Vail, IA. Only like 500 people there. Cool engine colors. I am not a pro painter but have painted some cars and engines. My 429 I painted with a good auto paint, not high temp and has held up well for over 5 years. I am planning on painting my mustang engine the same color as the body with car paint also. Just saying you don't need the high temp stuff for engines in my experience. The regular auto paint will work fine.

 

hey dirt racer, where did you get that distributor cover at? i am assuming its to help keep water out. i need something like that for my mud truck. thanks

 

It came off a late 80's or early 90's crown vic or grand marquis. Might be able to find one in the junk yard. Not sure if they sell them at the parts store or a dealership.