remove engine/fan shroud with engine in car

[piggdekk]

Hello,
I just pulled the carbs from my car ('71 911T, all original) to rebuild them and it's now evident that my engine shroud is falling apart (gelcoat coming off). Can I remove the engine shroud (either to have it fixed, or to change it) with the engine in the car? It does look doable, but I wonder if there is something I've understimated (like for example getting to the bolts for the oil radiator shroud).
thanks
luca

[roblav]

Yes, you can do it. All intakes need removed.

[piggdekk]

Thank You Roblav,
yes the intakes are all removed, I will also repaint the manifolds that have been coated in an horrible red!!!!
I've found a few threads regarding painting the engine shrouds, but I wonder what are the chaces that new paint will last if the gelcoat is gone? I think in my case I will need to take all the gelcaot off, then add a new layer of something to smooth down the surface, and then paint it. However, the fiberglass is pretty much soaked with oil after 40 years, and I doubt the new paint/primer will stick on it.
Bottom line I need someone telling me it cannot be done so that I can buy an amber shroud
Experiences, hints, are very welcome!!!!
luca

[roblav]

The only paint I've ever used that holds up really well is epoxy - the kind you have to mix the two parts then spray with a gun. PPG makes my favorite epoxy primer in a semi-gloss black and a few other colors.

I would try to make repairs with fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Fiberglass on the backside and fill in the top with epoxy. But you will have issues getting the shroud free of oil. Try alcohol or acetone... then wet sand it with about a 400 paper.

[piggdekk]

The shroud itself isn't cracked or damaged as far as I can see at least, what's damaged is the surface layer (I guess it is gelcoat, or some paint added at a later stage). I too think the main problem will be getting it oil free. My thinking, if I stick with the existing shroud, is to cover it completely with a new layer of fiberglass (a thin cloth) and then finish it and paint it.
But of course I'm worried that the new layer won't stick with the old one and I'll have lost a lot of time!!!!
Thanks for Your suggestions, I appreciate them a lot
luca

[roblav]

I make fiberglass parts all the time out of various things that I wish to pattern. You could clean the original cover, then coat it in wax. Cut out 4 or 5 layers of fiberglass cloth and cut them to somewhat closely match the size of the original cover. Lay out a piece of plastic (old shower curtain with soap scum works really well!) on a table, then the add one layer of fiberglass at a time on the plastic and roll out the epoxy. When all 4 or 5 layers are done, put another sheet of plastic on top. Then squegee out all the epoxy that you can out of the fiberglass. Peel off the top layer of plastic and place the fiberglass on top of the original cover. Let it harden overnight. You'll have a real close copy and it will be very light.

You can add color tint to your epoxy to get the color you want. I do NOT recommend painting the original cover with a spray can. It will look like crap after a while.

[dicklague]

GT Racing and Getty designs make fan shrouds in glass fiber, but not cheap.......

If it were me I would buy a set of Getty amber glass for 479.00 and have a cool look.

As you know glass fiber can be fun to work with and you can fix the old one or make a mold from it. That would be satisfying if you have time......I don't right now, and after spending $150 for materials the Getty price looks cheap, and I end up with a good looking part.

I need to clean up my engine compartment soon and may do this as well.

[4495]

I have the carbon fiber shroud, thanks to the previous owner!

But it still gets dirty and is hard to see under all the hoses and whatnot.

[piggdekk]

I think I'll give it a try with the existing one. I'll get it tumble blasted to get all the gelcoat off, then I'll see how it looks and decide where to go. I'll make sure to post pictures here. I'll surely follov roblav's advice on using epoxy paint.
thanks for all the hints!!!
luca