Re: painting engine while in car?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2013/9/5 8:37:41

Yes, with some care it's possible to get a very commendable engine paint job with the engine in the car. As has been pointed out, cleaning the surfaces and masking is the hardest part. I'd remove as many accessories as possible, the generator, starter, distributor, oil filter, hoses, carb linkage, etc. I'd even think about removing the manifolds and then using Eastwood's high temp SS manifold paint on the exhaust manifold - upon heating it will attain the appearance of fresh cast iron. While the generator, starter, distributor are off the car, they can be more easily detailed separately.

Use the spray enamel for the smoothest surfaces like valve covers, oil pan, etc. though if you thin the brush-on enamel a bit, on the rough cast surfaces you likely won't see the brush strokes. Removing the passenger side inner fender will make it much easier to do that side of the engine.