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The covers are aluminum, could've just anodized them, last way longer than any paint.
Another Old Guys DD
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I used a paint designed for this application Metalcast Anodized Automotive Paint Personally I like it the way it turned out.
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I would also carefully remove the paint (with thinner, not sand paper) from the coils where the boots go as to prevent any potential electrical path due to the carbon in the paint.
FWIW, anodizing is not typically a good idea for castings as it takes color somewhat unevenly, unless you plan to extensively smooth the surface via polishing/metal finishing first. Also, the color fades over time due to heat & UV light... we will not even get into cost.
If you want good advice, powder coating is the way to go, but it is hard to compete with 2 cans of paint for less than $20, so I think you took the correct path.
FWIW, anodizing is not typically a good idea for castings as it takes color somewhat unevenly, unless you plan to extensively smooth the surface via polishing/metal finishing first. Also, the color fades over time due to heat & UV light... we will not even get into cost.
If you want good advice, powder coating is the way to go, but it is hard to compete with 2 cans of paint for less than $20, so I think you took the correct path.
If what you did to your valve covers and coil brackets is how you want it done run with it. In the end it's your vehicle and your choice. Everyone has their own taste on what they want things to look like and not everybody agrees on everybody else's taste.
Here's my problem or curse. I am a custom furniture builder making high end furniture for people who make a lot more money than I do. I do inlays, carvings, veneers with high end exotic woods. So naturally I would want to put my own touches on my project. I am not a mechanic but have at one time in my life built and raced stock cars most builds with scavenged parts, building engines, welding roll cages and so on. My build will not be a just another LS in a S10. I hope I live long enough to make this happen. I'll make and have made mistakes along the way and appreciate all the help I have received. I ask questions that some time are ridicules. I am buttoning up the engine and will post photos Monday. Again it will not be everyone choice but it will be mine.
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I like what you did with your valve covers and I would have done the same or powder-coated them if I was going for that kind of look. Since I have the Corvette coil covers I don't need to make mine fancy though.
I wish you were close to me as I need some custom work done to repair my coffee table top after my pup chewed on it. I do some wood work and refinishing but I don't have the stuff to build a whole new tabletop.
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Just because people give you other options/opinions, isn't a reason to get all sensitive-like. Why else would you be posting on a public forum?
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Did he ask for options or other ideas?
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I think it is more like the guy appreciates help & suggestions, but unfortunately, I've noticed most of your posts imply what others did wrong & how they should have done it better.
It generally takes more effort to help someone than to criticize with a 1 line response.
Public automotive forums are not meant to be a contest of wealth, aptitude or to elevate ones social dominance.
People post to contribute & participate in a common interest, not to expose themselves to ridicule & criticism.
If you can help, please do, if you don't like what you see move on.
Feel free to start a new thread of your build & show us the standard we should strive to meet.
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@remops I like your covers. I used Metalcast Red on my valve covers and will use it to finish my air intake as well.
Did you do any kind of prep to the valve covers? I simply sanded, degreased, and painted. It has flaked off after sitting for a few years. I’m told that for best results you need to heat the aluminum to get the moisture out. A self etching primer may have helped too. IDK, I’m not a paint guy.
Did you do any kind of prep to the valve covers? I simply sanded, degreased, and painted. It has flaked off after sitting for a few years. I’m told that for best results you need to heat the aluminum to get the moisture out. A self etching primer may have helped too. IDK, I’m not a paint guy.
@jslezak83 Yes I did use a small torch and metal etching primer after I cut the studs off and filled in the holes with JB Weld.. The covers were sanded smooth with a DB and hand sanded. Same with the bolts and brackets. I'm a firm believer in metal etching primer and prep no short cuts. One thing I didn't do is mask off the coil posts like @Lonnie P pointed out. I did mask off the heat sink and the inside of the post. I own a spray booth and do my own finishing. One thing about using Krylon or other spray can paints is the re coat window. If you wait to long the solvents sometimes will react with the prior coat.
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I hope you have great long term results. I was thinking of removing the unused bosses, painting all the brackets and stainless hardware, but that’s way down on my list at this point.
I hear you with those flash windows. I experienced that last summer rattle canning some tractor wheels. I ended up with a wrinkle finish that needed to be sanded off.
I hear you with those flash windows. I experienced that last summer rattle canning some tractor wheels. I ended up with a wrinkle finish that needed to be sanded off.
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I'll reiterate the public forum point.... I welcome suggestions, if you don't want them, go write a book and put your fingers in your ears if someone tries to give you any feedback.
Could've and should've are different words because they mean different things.
Hmm, pretty sure I already did that eons ago, but not in an effort to show any kind of standard. Not sure I ever suggested there should be one in the first place lol.
Wasn't trying to derail your project thread lol...
LM4 require drilling the oil dipstick boss.
You know your right and I'm not thin skinned but there is a point when someone says you could of and has not a clue of what he is talking about. Have you tried anodizing anything. I have and it not an easy job to get a desirable product. I tried to do some door handles for dresser with much time and waste of money. And to be honest what I have seen in anodized aluminium is not what I wanted. Also I could have bought new valve covers and coil brackets and hardware. I also could have simply left them as is. I could have powder coated them but you know what I didn't. I did it my way and if it fails so be it.
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Lol. I mean, you can tell me I don't know what I'm talking about, but you don't know that for a fact. If you are so happy about how you did it, I'm not sure why you are still fussing about it.
Again, never meant to derail, so if you still have something to say to me about this, PM me. I'd like this to stay on track with your build. Liking what I've seen so far.
Again, never meant to derail, so if you still have something to say to me about this, PM me. I'd like this to stay on track with your build. Liking what I've seen so far.
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I think it's beddy bye time...can this be put to rest??
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