Painting letters on plenum and cam covers and cleaning metal lines advice wanted

[Mystic ZR-1]

Originally Posted by 32valvZ

I simply use Hi Temp Engine paint. Spray a little in the cap of the can, grab a small brush and paint the letters/numbers. I find it helps to actually get a good amount on the brush and kind of pool the paint up a little in the recesses. Whatever paint happens to go "outside the lines", just lightly wet a rag with mineral spirits and wrap the rag tightly around your finger. Just wipe right over each letter/number and it comes out perfect. The whole operation takes maybe 15 minutes...

I sprayed mine. Came out great! Just mask all around the lettering to avoid how much overspray you have to wipe off. Didn’t go crazy trying to mask each letter. I used a paper towel dampened in mineral spirits while the paint was still tacky, not wet. Anything stronger might not be good... check it on an unseen spot 1st.
Much easier than trying to freehand with a brush etc.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Corvette95

After I get my top end powder coated, how do most people paint the lettering in the plenum and cam covers. I know I can't do it with a brush myself, nerve damage doesn't allow me steady hands. Is there a stencil, do most free hand it? I see there was a cut out for this at Stillwater where they spray painted the lettering. Also want advice to clean the alternator and compressor's rough aluminum. I want to bring it to original condition, not above. Also I see a bunch of great looking a/c lines/coolant lines, and air lines and brackets on the Registry. I would like my 90 to look better. I DON'T want full polish or chrome look, but I would like it more "shiney" . I can do a lot with still wool, and have already begun, but there are a bunch of crevasses and non accessible places I can't get to . My a/c lines are still attached. I know this knowledge is here, I can see it in your signatures!!! BTW I have some never dull wadding that just came in I was going to try tomorrow.
Thanks!

I would use masking tape/blue painters paint and elmers school glue on other surfaces that you want to cover. The elmers school glue will come right off when done.

[Corvette95]

What is the estimated high temperatures of the injector housings and plenum? I have to choose between normal 500 degree powder coat and high temperature coating (the high temp is more $ but more importantly, has limited color choices). Thanks!

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Corvette95

What is the estimated high temperatures of the injector housings and plenum? I have to choose between normal 500 degree powder coat and high temperature coating (the high temp is more $ but more importantly, has limited color choices). Thanks!

The coolant temp stays @ or below 220ºF, so i'd guess you'd be safe with the 500º powder, no? But, I'd go with the higher temp stuff - just in case to avoid yellowing.

Maybe Marc Haibeck will chime in hear. He paints lots of LT5s.

[Mr Blue]

For cleaning the alternator and compressor, I use a wheel cleaner designed for bare aluminum, such as Sonus Aluminum Restore, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
David

[Corvette95]

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

For cleaning the alternator and compressor, I use a wheel cleaner designed for bare aluminum, such as Sonus Aluminum Restore, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
David

Thanks, I looked it up, I am trying to avoid acidic cleaners. I know that limits my choices. I did mess up, I had the good alternator sent out along with starter for rebuild. should have blasted the cases then, but too late now, I want to clean up the alternator and compressor (compressor still charged and on the car) and preserve the labels. I may use the wheel cleaner, but its very hard in the difficult places, using the super small dremel takes forever.

[Jagdpanzer]

Here is how I do the plenum and cam cover lettering using filling method

For demonstration purposes I’m using junk cam cover I had laying around.

First be sure the paint or powder coating is fully cured before proceeding.


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Model Master enamel paint and small paint brush from the local hobby store.

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Filling in the recessed lettering with paint.

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Let the lettering paint set up for several hours.

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Shop paper towel and backing board

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Wetted down with mineral spirits

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Rub over lettering area to remove excess paint



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[Jagdpanzer]

And here is the results

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[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

And here is the results

Attachment 11763


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Elegant in it's beauty and simplicity!
Great job!
Marty

[lfalzarano]

[emoji106][emoji106]


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