What is the best way to prepare/paing
valve covers
engine cover, and
Grille?

Thanks

 

Also any advice on colors? I have a white Z-71. I want to go Chevy orange, but not sure if it will look right. Thanks

 

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=347689

Don't know if this what you're going for exactly, but they look pretty good to me, just to throw in an idea. I would say white and orange, but since its under the hood, I think black would be easier to clean. SS Camaros used to have a white/orange color scheme and looked pretty good IMO, and the black/orange should go pretty well with it.

 

I thought about white, I thought about orange, but for some reason I didnt think about white/orange

 

i prob. wouldnt do white as it will get dirty real easy. but i would clean it real good with some purple cleaner. sand it down real good. then clean it with some wax and grease remover. you can then prime it if you want but it you dont want to then go ahead and seal it, base it, then clear. thats if you are using auto paint. but if you are spray painting them then just skip the sealer part. on the engine cover and grille you will need to put some adhesion promoter on them. hope this helps some

 

Here is the way my dad does valve covers at his shop. Your covers are aluminum and they are not painted from the factory so it is pretty easy. You can use any store bought engine degreaser on the covers and then use a high pressure steam cleaner. If you have really dirty valve covers you can try some easy off oven cleaner and then steam clean them. To clean them after they are pressure washed blow them off with compressed air. If you want to use a light wire wheel you can but do not touch the gasket surfaces. I then like to wipe the surface with a lint free rag and lacquer thinner because it does not leave an oily film behind. Other paint thinners leave behind an oily film so make sure to use lacquer. You can also use a tack rag in case there is any dust or lint on the covers. A good high heat engine paint will work on the covers. You could also have them powder coated but the cost factor is the key. I like to let the covers cure for 3-4 days before touching them to help keep them from fingerprinting. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys.

Fogle, I was thinking the same thing, but figured with a healthy coat of clear the valve covers would clean up fairly easy. I usually wash my truck every week, and spray the engine compartment down at the same time.

 

yea they will clean up pretty easy. you could just send them to me and i can do it for you. haha. you dont want to put to much clear on them though. just a couple coats and youll be fine.