Neuf350z

Was wondering if anyone here has painted their engine cover? I was going to attempt it today, but want to be sure of the type of paint before I tackle the job.

I checked out the Dupli-Color Mirage system, but didn't care for the colors. My Z is red and they had a red/blue color, but it looked purple.

My concern is the heat. I checked out other engine paints, but didn't see a nice red. The colors for the heat resistant paints were very limited, at least where I went, so that's why I wondered if I have to stick with the heat resistant paint or will any enamel paint surfice?

I'd like to use a nice metallic red to give it a little glimmer.

Anyone have any suggestions or tips?

Deb "Neuf"

ajk4

i used a paint similair to the mirage paint and it has worked out fine. the only problems youll face are normal painting problems like making sure the paint is applied and dries smoothly.

ajk4

heres a close-up pic of the engine cover.

Neuf350z

That looks pissah! Great job!

I'm in the process of painting mine today. Got the first coat of red on, just waiting for it to dry.

Deb "Neuf"

wadd3456

iTrader: (1)

Plenty of pics here.......
https://my350z.com/gallery/albup61

Buub

iTrader: (1)

So what's the technique? Did you prepare the surface in any particular way before-hand?

Did you primer it first then put the paint on? How many coats? :-)

Neuf350z

Not sure how others did it, but here's how I did it:

- Wet sanded the plastic with 400 grit sandpaper

- Put on two thin coats of primer

- Applied two coats of bright red Dupli-Color spray paint and was going to stop there, but I decided on a metallic look. So I applied two more coats of metallic red

- Letting it dry overnight (I'm still in the process of painting mine)

- Will apply 1-2 coats of high heat Dupli-Color clear coat

I'll post a photo of mine tomorrrow night most likely.

The only problem I forsee is the top right bolt under the stabilizer bar because anyone removing the bolt other than yourself is apt to not be careful and could hack the paint. It's a tight squeeze under there and it's hard not to scrape your wrench against the surface.

Deb "Neuf"

Neuf350z

Here's a pic of my finished cover

Buub

iTrader: (1)

Nice! Did you pry the Nissan emblem out and glue it back in, or did you just cover it really carefully with masking tape?

Neuf350z

I covered it as best as I could with masking tape. Although I noticed that some of the silver paint came off of the V6 when I peeled the tape off. I probably should have used some of that blue paint masking tape because it's not as sticky. Oh well.

The hardest part, as ajk4 posted, is getting the paint to go on smooth. Mine is still a little rough, but not too bad. I think good prep work is key.

Deb "Neuf"