Painting valve covers - recommendations?

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  • #1

    Painting valve covers - recommendations?

    I started cleaning up my valve covers today and realized that some of the finish paint was coming off. When I used brake cleaner, more came off if I worked at it. I wanted to re-paint them to match their original color (body color), so I don't know if I need to strip all of the current finish coat or not. I've been reading about powder coating on the forum here, but I'm not going to be able to do that. I've also read about Duplicolor engine enamel and it seems like it's a reasonable choice.

    Any opinions on whether I really need to strip the top coat to repaint them? If I strip them using a paint stripper, will that take off the black base primer coat (which I assume is baked on)? Also looking for suggestions on finish paint choices.

    Just for reference, here's a picture of one of the valve covers (before I cleaned it):

    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • #2
    I've heard great things about VHT paint.
  • #3
    I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to be following these instructions for mine: http://www.xenonz31.com/Enginecompon…ditioning.html

    Although I have heard good things about VHT as well.

    1986 300ZX N/A 5Speed project. Needs work, but that's the point, isn't it?
  • #4
    Thanks for the link. Great resource… I've used Xenon's site before but didn't think to look there for this.
    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • #5
    Hm. You could just paint over the oem paint?
    Justin
    1986 NA 2-seater
    SCCA Solo E-Street Prepared #31
    Race Videos
    Build Thread
  • #6
    Powder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.

    1986 300ZX Turbo…sold
    1990 Skyline GT-R…new money pit
    2014 Juke Nismo RS 6-speed…daily
  • #7
    Originally posted by NissanEgg
    Powder coating is the way to go. More durable than spray paints.
    Yes, I realize this but am not in a position to do that right now. Will probably just paint over what is on there for now, then do a strip and powder coat one day later when I know it's a runner… maybe as part of a NA2T project.
    '86 NA - original owner (1986-93) and final owner (2005-present)

    My build thread: http://z31performance.com/showthread…-Got-mine-back

  • #8
    I've painted a few sets and always manage to scrape them up somehow during the installation of everything i took off
    in order to remove them. I'd do as many layers as you can.


    84 AE/Shiro #683/Shiro #820/84 Turbo
  • #9
    figure out your color on https://www.powderbuythepound.com/Co…er_Collection/ and PM me. I have spare VC's I could sand blast and PC for you, then you just send me your old one's once swapped out.
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • #10
    Originally posted by Axel kain
    figure out your color on https://www.powderbuythepound.com/Co…er_Collection/ and PM me. I have spare VC's I could sand blast and PC for you, then you just send me your old one's once swapped out.
    How much are you charging for this service? I have a spare set or two, and I would love to get some PC loving.
  • #11
    I paint stripped to bare metal, sanded to 80 grid by hand

    then VHT wrinkle coat, baked on with heat gun. Seems pretty durable and looks nice.

    85 Turbo Slick Top
    __________________________________________________ _____
  • #12
    I'd do valve covers at $70 a pair - we'll figure out shipping, because everyone's situation is different. if it needs to be a special powder - that would also be discussed.
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • #13
    here's an example of the difference. just happened, my friend wanted a nice red wrinkle. but compared to stock it's bright. in the bay it's not too bad!

    also - the heat shields are Bronze high temp.

    PC difference.jpg
    Damn dirty angels....these cars!

    Current Daily Driver - 86 Turbo.
    Under the cover - THE BANANA… that needs to be re-energized.
    sigpic
  • #14
    Ferrari.
    BLOZ UP.com
    It is not recommended to confirm proper installation by driving into walls or other barriers as this could cause personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
  • #15
    you can just use air craft stripper then scrub it then wash and sand/prep. engine paint primer then your color match paint of your choice then engine clear.

    never had a prb with this method or you can polish them which is easy

    some of my cars






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