Detailing my engine compartment

[woodie49]

It all started with needing to replace the radiator. Then I thought I would use the down time to also repalce the exhaust manifold, because I had a leak due to a broken heat riser.

Once I got everything on the passengers side apart, I started thinking about how bad my engine looked and that I was pretty far along on dismantling, so I decided to pull off everything down to the block and head and paint everything up nice and pretty.

Now I am considering getting a small blast cabinet to really clean off the old paint from all the parts I have removed. But, I know nothing about blasting, including what media I should use. Anyone have a small set up that they could recommend?

I have posted a few pictures of the engine bay when I started, I'll post up a few when it gets done. Hopefully there will be a big improvement.

[jd52cranbrook]

Looks like you have a very nice firewall once cleaned up. Should really turn out nice.

I got a good blaster with wide doors on both sides from Harbor Freight. No matter where you get one, you will be happy you did. I did have to put better lights in mine. And I also hooked up a vacuum to the back opening. It works great.

[BobT-47P15]

I've seen worse looking bays that that before.......but you're right, now

is a good time for a spiffing up. Looks like someone had painted the

engine with a nice shade of Ford (or some other) blue. Are you going

to return it to the original silver color? I used POR 20 hi temp by the

POR 15 company, applied with a 2" brush and it's held up well for

several years. Others here have additional opinions, of course.

Should look nice when you get done.

[tinlizzy]

Don's engine is Chrysler Blue I believe not Furd blue.

[woodie49]

I plan to paint it the original silver color with most of the add-ons in black. Everything is pretty original on the car (though re-sprayed) and i want to keep it that way. I do wish they had chosen a bit more striking color scheme though, as some of the engines I have seen on this forum in reds and blues (and even blacks) look really nice. The silver is a bit bland (personal taste only).

This engine is a Monkey Wards rebuild, which is why the color is not the original silver. The tag on the side of the block indicates that. I think it has been rebuilt more than once. I do think the firewall will clean up well. I am more concerned with the inner fenders. I want a gloss black, but I don't want it too glossy. It will probably be rattle can. That will limit my choices a bit.

[Captain Neon]

Hammertone Black! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[woodie49]

It took a few weeks, and I still have an issue or two to resolve, but except for installing the heater on the passengers side, my detailing of the engine bay is complete! Really points to the need for a battery disguise case!

I thought I would post a few pictures while everything still looks clean.

[DutchEdwin]

That's good looking. Hope it stay's that way. Mine looked like that until I heated up the engine. After that the silver got a slight yellow shine over it where the intake got hot like the heat riser gate.

[P-12 Tommy]

Woodie, Looks pretty darn good to me! Great work!

Tom

[jd52cranbrook]

Verrrry nice

[steveplym]

Looking very nice. Mine looked really good until I drove it a while. I have to touch it up every once in a while. Didn't help any when I had to pull the head a month ago either.

Looks good, nice work.

[carls 49]

nice work, looks great.

[BeBop138]

Lookin good:D----nice to have it clean when you have to work on it

[busycoupe]

It looks great! I'm hoping to do the same job on my Dodge; replace the radiator and clean up the engine bay. What did you end up using on the motor? Rattle can engine paint, Por 15 or what? I hope that mine comes out as good as yours.

Dave

[BobT-47P15]

Woodie..........the finished product looks great.

Eventually it will need some cleanup and touchup of course,

but should stay looking nice for some time now.