Rattle Can Engine Refinish.

[We Gone]

This is my 93

So after reading about this for months I thought it was time to give it a try. I am going to preform this without removing the cam covers or injector housings. I will post pics as I go. Hopefully you guys will enjoy my redneck backyard job. I am using the paint Jerry sells, great paint covers very well. Thanks Jerry for your help time and parts enjoyed our conversation.

Why?
A. I had redone the top of the TB and it did not match.
B. I had Dave M. sign my original plenum at the gathering so I was going to replace it anyway so I could save it.
C. Why not.

Details of what I did and used. I will not get into the details of pulling parts as most of you know or have done that part, Plus we have many guides on it already.

Materials from Jerry's Gaskets
1. Plenum, throttle body, horn and EGR pipe gaskets, a few other miss. parts I replaced while had I things apart.
2. Paint 2 cans http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/paint-lt5-engine-oem-finish-90-95-6e3/
3. Lots of blue painters tape, cover paper, scotch-brite (fine) 800 wet dry paper, foam (to stuff in tight spots) De-greaser.
4. Thermal compound (for electronics under plenum) Dielectric grease for plugs.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103080&cm_re=thermal_compound-_-35-103-080-_-Product
5. Gaskets Plenum http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/gasket-set-intake-plenumearly-color-90-95-11b3/ TB http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/gasket-set-throttle-body-90-95-11d9/ for 93-up EGR http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/gasket-egr-valve-pipe-93-95-11d9/ Cam cover PVC lines http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/seal-set-cam-cover-pcv-tube-90-95-11c3/
6. Cam cover emblems http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/emblem-cam-cover-91-95-7b1/

Parts I removed.
1. Plenum and related parts.
2. ASR box, crankcase breather tubes to cam covers.
3. AC compressor and Alt. (just moved them out of the way)
4. removable part of the AC box for access to right side.

1. Cleaned everything to be painted or taped with de-greaser scuffed all surfaces to be painted with scotch-brite. Cleaned all aluminum piping with scotch-brite. Label an bag parts and screws. You will be surprised at how ruff the castings are if you want a show finish you will have to do some heavy sanding and I would not recommend doing it with the parts on the car. Take pictures of how things are routed for re-install.
2. Tape and cover up, this took the longest the better you tape the better the outcome. I used some 1/2 foam to stuff between the injector housings and heads plus anywhere else I could that was to tight to tape.
3. Painted using 3 coats waiting 24 hours between coats and sanding with 800 wet/dry paper.
4. Each coat was done with 2 very light sprays 15min. apart than a heaver coat looking for a good shine, just don't let it run. wait 24hrs scuff with 800 wipe down with paint prep. Did this 3 times.
5. Waited several days before putting everything back so the paint would dry. Be very careful of painted surfaces unless you have a heat lamp to help harden the paint. I kept them covered until I was done assembling.
6. I used Paul's suggestion to do the lettering. This part worried me most. I did ok, I wish someone would make a tape on stencil so you could spray them.
7. After I assembled and restarted the car let it warm up until the fans cycled to get the paint hot so it would set well. Than took it for a 30 mile drive stopping a few times to check on everything.

I found a replacement plenum (Thanks Pete)
The replacement Plenum.
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/5940/VAdk0c.jpg

What I started with. Had a few stains and the TB was in bad need of clean-up.
http://imageshack.com/a/img843/1131/0sh2.jpg

After cleaning with a cleaner wax it did turn it a shade darker but did a good job. as you can see the TB does not match after cleaning and painting, and of course the replacement plenum will not. This Plenum will become wall art.
http://imageshack.com/a/img674/7645/1r64r9.jpg

After a good de-greasing/sanding 1st coat of paint, will sand with 800 and put on a 2nd and 3rd coat.
http://imageshack.com/a/img743/1223/BEFRBm.jpg

On to the hard part. What a mess started sanding and cleaning.
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2064/JTGf4S.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img911/1099/9aQ9Sj.jpg

Will post up more as I get things done.

All comments and suggestions welcome, not sure how I will do the lettering just yet.

[We Gone]

The cover-up.. as you can see this is going to be a challenge to paint!!

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/2932/gyGp41.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/8049/KnBZAS.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/9366/vSUnHs.jpg

Found a use for some .40cal shells (redneck engineering at its finest) wish I had some large enough to fit the others tried the .50 but were still to small. back to tape.

http://imageshack.com/a/img742/2803/8nPssP.jpg

First coat of paint after it drys I will sand and do 2 more times.
http://imageshack.com/a/img909/391/1om6vb.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/1087/moxsVO.jpg

[We Gone]

Plenum done, I think it came out nice for a spray can job! Used Paul's tips to do the lettering, no clear do not want it to yellow.

http://imageshack.com/a/img912/9155/KDcXKP.jpg

Yes that's a magnifying lamp helped alot my eyes are old like me!
http://imageshack.com/a/img746/4653/QCn3on.jpg

Last coat on cam covers
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/997/atKXfX.jpg

I know one screw cover came off...I'll touch it up when I do the lettering.
I'll give it a few days to dry and polish as I did the plenum.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6940/Zcvere.jpg

The lettering on the cam covers was a challenge on the car.
http://imageshack.com/a/img913/230/wy0Mzj.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4056/vMHEiK.jpg

[KILLSHOTS]

"redneck backyard job". LOVE IT, Steve! I think the results look too good so far. Looks like you ain't swallered enough Bud to git er done right, I reckin!

[Roadster]

Looking good, you are doing a great job.....your're hired.....:thumbsup::happy1:

[secondchance]

Fully understand. This is quite doable. I did this w/ Badger air brush and rattle can clear. Just be patient with masking. One word of caution-do not use clear. I found out the hard way that clear will turn yellowish with time and heat.
I noticed that your throttle body had bubbling due to galvanic corrosion. That may be why you elected to refinish the TB. Unless you bypassed TB coolant flow you are risking galvanic corrosion all over again. My solution to decrease the probability of corrosion reoccurring was to make my own TB coolant cover gasket out of neoprene roof waterproofing membrane and as an additional preventive measure use M4 titanium bolts. Neoprene will prevent coolant from seeping through and reaching the bolt allowing current flow and titanium bolt will minimize continued galvanic corrosion even if the coolant reaches the bolt because titanium is one of the most corrosion resistant metal. Titanium M4 bolts are easy to find on ebay and not that expensive.


This is my 93

So after reading about this for months I thought it was time to give it a try. I am going to preform this without removing the cam covers or injector housings. I will post pics as I go. Hopefully you guys will enjoy my redneck backyard job. I am using the paint Jerry sells, great paint covers very well. Thanks Jerry for your help time and parts enjoyed our conversation.

Why?
A. I had redone the top of the TB and it did not match.
B. I had Dave M. sign my plenum at the gathering so I was going to replace it anyway so I could save it.
C. Why not.

I found a replacement plenum (Thanks Pete)
The replacement Plenum.
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/5940/VAdk0c.jpg

What I started with. Had a few stains and the TB was in bad need of clean-up.
http://imageshack.com/a/img843/1131/0sh2.jpg

After cleaning with a cleaner wax it did turn it a shade darker but did a good job. as you can see the TB does not match after cleaning and painting, and of course the replacement plenum will not.
http://imageshack.com/a/img674/7645/1r64r9.jpg

After a good de-greasing/sanding 1st coat of paint, will sand with 800 and put on a 2nd and 3rd coat.
http://imageshack.com/a/img743/1223/BEFRBm.jpg

On to the hard part. What a mess started sanding and cleaning.
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2064/JTGf4S.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img911/1099/9aQ9Sj.jpg

Will post up more as I get things done.

All comments and suggestions welcome, not sure how I will do the lettering just yet.

[We Gone]

Thanks for the tips, I cleaned all the corrosion from the TB and had already by-passed it with Marc's by-pass line.

Thanks for the clear paint warning I was going to ask about that. I was having a hard time finding a suitable thermal compound to use when putting the electronics back on the underside of the plenum, everyone wanted to sell me dialectic grease... this is not the same as a thermal grease/compound. I found a source for a 100 gram tube of thermal compound that I use on computer CPU heat sinks I think it should work out.

[Paul Workman]

Thanks for the tips, I cleaned all the corrosion from the TB and had already by-passed it with Marc's by-pass line.

Thanks for the clear paint warning I was going to ask about that. I was having a hard time finding a suitable thermal compound to use when putting the electronics back on the underside of the plenum, everyone wanted to sell me dialectic grease... this is not the same as a thermal grease/compound. I found a source for a 100 gram tube of thermal compound that I use on computer CPU heat sinks I think it should work out.

I got mine at Radio Shack. I applied it with a putty knife in a very thin, even layer: not thick - so thin you could almost see through it. (Zinc oxide heat sink goop.)

Oh! And, you want to make sure you don't get any contaminants in it, like any grains of sand, for example.

[We Gone]

I got mine at Radio Shack. I applied it with a putty knife in a very thin, even layer: not thick - so thin you could almost see through it. (Zinc oxide heat sink goop.)

Oh! And, you want to make sure you don't get any contaminants in it, like any grains of sand, for example.

Thanks Paul, Sounds like its much like applying to computer heat sinks, clean and less is better!

I'm in no hurry to get this done been at it about a week now may take a few more, Do it once is my goal. The prep work is taking the most time had everything apart the first day. I will say I did not realize how rough the castings were until I started sanding.

[Mystic ZR-1]

What's your plan for painting the installed cam covers and IHs ?
Could be tough to get at.

[We Gone]

What's your plan for painting the installed cam covers and IHs ?
Could be tough to get at.

LOL now that's an understatement!...Working on that now will do the best I can. I have read that other were able to do so on I go. I'm sure I will not be able to get all the tight areas as good as I would like but with some patience and a good tape & cover job I hope it will look ok.

Worst case if I don't like it will be to remove and sent everything out to have done professionally when I have the $. Right now my goal is to get in some experience tidy things up and learn. Plus I just enjoy working on my cars.

[Paul Workman]

***All comments and suggestions welcome, not sure how I will do the lettering just yet.

I used a fine camel hair artist brush to minimize the over paint, and then cut the letters with fingernail polish remover on a Q-Tip. IMPORTANT: Don't let the lettering dry too long. In fact, doing it one letter at a time worked best. (Also, the silver paint needed to be allowed to dry for a couple days before lettering. NO clear was used.)


http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/10-17-10015Large.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/10-17-10015Large.jpg.html)

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/LT5andme006Large.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/LT5andme006Large.jpg.html)

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/10-17-10012.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/10-17-10012.jpg.html)

Lots of trial and error before I hit upon this method. This was quick and very easy and was "perfect".

Paul.

[We Gone]

Thanks Paul, That's just what I was looking for.. What paint did you use? I like the more silver look, at this point its not to late to change!

[We Gone]

Added a few pics of progress in first posts.

[Roadster]

Added a few pics of progress in first posts.

Great job Steve, one day I will get to mine.....and follow your procedures.....:cheers:

[Racinfan83]

Yeah this looks awesome so far! The finish on my engine is the one thing I am not proud of on my car....

[We Gone]

Today's Progress..One note next time remove the tape next day after paint, even blue painters tape can be a bear after a week!!

All clean ready to install electronics under plenum.
http://imageshack.com/a/img746/6204/vOgR7F.jpg

Thermal compound.
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9102/aQR4yR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img742/6475/oc5atE.jpg

Plenum back in place.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6864/uW5EvM.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img909/500/ndttJQ.jpg

[WVZR-1]

Looks great.

Do you think that maybe some appropriate sized vinyl caps might aid the masking ordeal?

Take a look at these that are available by many different ID specifications:

https://store.mocap.com/mocap_en/rvc.html

I understand this is a "mas producer" but there's I'm sure vendors that would/could deal with the quantities that could make it very economical. I didn't measure any bolt heads but it certainly looks practical and could contribute to a bit less aggravation in the prep of at least the cam covers.

[We Gone]

Looks great.

Do you think that maybe some appropriate sized vinyl caps might aid the masking ordeal?

Take a look at these that are available by many different ID specifications:

https://store.mocap.com/mocap_en/rvc.html

I understand this is a "mas producer" but there's I'm sure vendors that would/could deal with the quantities that could make it very economical. I didn't measure any bolt heads but it certainly looks practical and could contribute to a bit less aggravation in the prep of at least the cam covers.


One word, YES....masking everything was the hardest part. Had to de-grease everything I masked just get the tape to stick. I also used foam to stuff in the tight areas. I'm very happy with the outcome at this point but time will tell as to how it will hold up.

[WVZR-1]

One word, YES....masking everything was the hardest part. Had to de-grease everything I masked just get the tape to stick. I also used foam to stuff in the tight areas. I'm very happy with the outcome at this point but time will tell as to how it will hold up.

I see that some of their offerings from stock are less than or near .20 each in quantities of 100 or so.

They even have some "paper caps" for precisely what they're needed for. Dimensions?

http://www.mocap.com/paper-tapered-cap.html

But looking at your snapshots it appears that maybe the clearance of the bolt/screw head to the cam cover is pretty miniscule so it could create maybe greater issues. If a person was considering changing the hardware type to maybe hex socket or 12 point (what I like) it's of no great concern, spray away!

[lisounds]

excellant job

[KILLSHOTS]

Looks great!

[We Gone]

Its Alive!!!!, Started right up no codes no issues.

Had these parts left over, guess they will be wall art
http://imageshack.com/a/img912/2291/HQXGFu.jpg

Time for a road test.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8509/fMgaes.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/1373/uUxZ3e.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/1203/n62Vvi.jpg

Out in the sun
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/1598/K4alh8.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img912/3960/zO40l5.jpg

[Demps]

Nice!

...you may have a problem...

Ted

[randy ransome]

Looks Great, I guess I'll have to try that on my black car so it will look new when I swap you for that beer.

It really does look Great Steve.

:proud:

[We Gone]

Looks Great, I guess I'll have to try that on my black car so it will look new when I swap you for that beer.

It really does look Great Steve.

:proud:


Beer!!! I'll work for Beer Randy


Thanks everyone for the comments..... May not be a top notch professional paint job, but It was a great experience.

[We Gone]

Nice!

...you may have a problem...

Ted


Well?? Your welcome to come barrow it anytime Ted

[A26B]

Beer!!! I'll work for Beer Randy


Thanks everyone for the comments..... May not be a top notch professional paint job, but It was a great experience.

What a great job Steve!! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Check this out.....
http://jerrysgaskets.com/store2/root/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=658

[We Gone]

What a great job Steve!! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Check this out.....
http://jerrysgaskets.com/store2/root/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=658

Thanks Jerry, Everything done with your parts. The paint worked out great covers well and not thin like most spray can paint. I did 3 coats scuffing with 800 after 24hr. dry time between all. two cans and have some left.

[edram454]

Great job Steve. This is something a great many of us want to do. Patience is the key along with sticking with it. It looks like a pro job. You just saved a ton of money and your engine looks great. Congratulations.

ed ramos #3028

[Vette Guy]

Ditto Steve, You did a fantastic job! I'm very impressed with both the overall finish and your attention to detail.

And Jerry, thank you for all the work to make this paint available to us! This looks like a game changer for some tired looking LT5s out there!

Regards,
Mark

[Racinfan83]

Yeah that came out absolutely awesome!
I have an extra room, and all the beer and food you want.... ;);)

[Schrade]

Spray can? Hmmm...

Looks like a pro job. You're just not wantin' to let on how much they took for the job?

[Dynomite]

Thanks Paul, That's just what I was looking for.. What paint did you use? I like the more silver look, at this point its not to late to change!

This is the more silver look....as is Paul's LT5 paint job just in case anyone is asking :p

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/A%20Corvette%20LT5%2090/49b05cc4-bb84-4449-af48-80241b98e38a.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/A%20Corvette%20LT5%2090/37cdb647-2dda-449e-8d0d-57905f95ecfd.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/A%20Corvette%20LT5%2090/8e46b8a0-fd42-44c0-b89b-e3e8f15bab7f.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/A%20Corvette%20LT5%2090/f1e67ee1-dca6-4b7e-b799-feb1ba5026d5.jpg

See item #3 Eliminating TB Coolant and Air Induction, Added Oil Catch Can and Painting (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-4.html#post1581665193)

[Meanmyz]

Beautiful job Steve!

You don't have to make any apologizes for being a "spray can job", as that is closer to "factory" than most higher dollar jobs!

Plenum done, I think it came out nice for a spray can job! Used Paul's tips to do the lettering, no clear do not want it to yellow.

http://imageshack.com/a/img912/9155/KDcXKP.jpg

Yes that's a magnifying lamp helped alot my eyes are old like me!
http://imageshack.com/a/img746/4653/QCn3on.jpg

Last coat on cam covers
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/997/atKXfX.jpg

I know one screw cover came off...I'll touch it up when I do the lettering.
I'll give it a few days to dry and polish as I did the plenum.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6940/Zcvere.jpg

The lettering on the cam covers was a challenge on the car.
http://imageshack.com/a/img913/230/wy0Mzj.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4056/vMHEiK.jpg