Post by: f85gtron on June 02, 2014, 12:31:55 pm
Ron
Post by: Fierofool on June 02, 2014, 02:41:47 pm
Once you've got all the paint removed, wash the parts with a good degreaser like Castrol Super Clean. Rinse well with water and let dry. Then because it's aluminum, wash it good with pure white vinegar, rinse well with water and let it dry again.
Get yourself a can or two of Zinc Chromate primer. It's what is used to paint aircraft. Coat all surfaces. Don't worry about masking out surfaces to be polished or left unpainted. Let it air dry and sun cure for 24 hours.
To match the original red, I like the High Temp Engine Enamel by Dupli-Color. DE 1605 Ford Red. It's almost an exact Fiero Red. Spray all parts, coating thoroughly. Let it dry and sun cure for another 24 hours.
Using a window scraper that utilizes a single edge razor blade, you can place the blade on 2 ribs of the valve covers and push the scraper along to slice up the paint and primer from the flat surfaces that are to be polished. Once you've removed the paint from the flat surfaces, you need to turn your attention to the edges of those surfaces so that the paint doesn't turn loose. Paint will naturally pull away from any sharp outside corner and puddle on any inside corner.
Place the blade at a 45 degree angle and push it along the sharp corners of all the polished surfaces to remove just a small sliver of paint.
Using a power pad sander, polish out the flat surfaces, starting with 200 grit and finishing up with 400+ grit. Remove all residue with pure water and let dry. If you can find the high temp clear, you can overspray everything to help prevent oxidation of the bare aluminum areas.
Send the wife to visit her Mother and while she's gone, preheat the kitchen oven at 250 degrees. Place the pieces on the center rack and bake for 30 minutes.
Let cool, install and enjoy,
My engine after about 3 years.
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Post by: TopNotch on June 02, 2014, 04:04:53 pm
Post by: f85gtron on June 03, 2014, 08:37:32 am
Anybody paint their covers different colors? I feel guilty for even thinking it, and screwing with the trademark red top, but, my car is silver and silver would look good too?
I just thought of something.....
You don't suppose that designers choose red to top the engine with, marking the fiero with a pun, it being the "red headed step child" if gm? :o
(Sorry Ginger)
Ron
Post by: Fierofool on June 04, 2014, 09:18:15 am
This one is in a Formula owned by Georgia Fieros. Recently acquired after sitting for 3 or 4 years. It hasn't been cleaned up, yet.
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Post by: f85gtron on June 04, 2014, 01:35:50 pm
Must be for California!
Ron
Post by: Fierofool on June 04, 2014, 02:02:55 pm