Painting fan and houseing

[maui44]

I am in the process of replacing my alternator. I have is out and I was thinking about painting the fan and the housing prior to putting things back together. Having said that, there must of been a reason that Porsche did not paint them at the factory.,,

However, it seams like to me, I read somewhere about the down side of doing this. I think the article said something about heat buildup, adding weight to the fan, and the fan not turning right when everything is put back together. Also Paint coming off and causing problems and looking tacky . I know there is very little space between the fan and the housing so that it will turn properly.

I would like to get some opinions (pros and cons) of painting theses 2 items and what is the best way to have it done (so it lasts) if you do paint them. If anyone has some pictures that would be great.

Thank you in advance for your time and replies,

[bryvincent]

just clean it up with scotchbrite or something. looks better stock without the paint IMO.

[redstrosekNic]

Mine was grungy, so I polished it...


It was too much maintenance to keep nice, so I painted the housing and fan with some VHT paint.


No problems with rubbing. The paint has held up fine for 2 years so far.

[kodioneill]

I like to sandblast and clear-coat.

[darcher]

I took the guard off my 10" wirewheel on the bench grinder in my shop and spent about an hour polishing both fan and guard. With the guard off I could get in between the blades. Now they look great, clean easily, maintenance is zero and the little bit of patina on them now after 6 mo looks good, like a 27 year old car should.

[tratza]

I painted the housing and fan with VHT and "cooked" the parts in the kitchen oven while the wife was out of the house. That was a little over ten years ago. The housing held up fairly well until about a year ago but did have some chips in the paint. The fan held up very well but this year had to be replaced due to corrosion. When I replaced the fan I decided to go back to the factory look and just keep it clean.

[esonefour]

I got mine powder coated but being magnesium I couldn't go for the metallic colours.
If your in a dry climate polishing does look cool.

[Uwon]

I powder coated my fan about 12 years ago but after some 300,000 km, the leading edges of the blades looked sandblasted to the bear metal, which I suppose isn't bad. I have now gone back to a bear polish but must admit that I am doubtful that it will stay that way without annual re-polishing.

[darcher]

This is mine after about a year now...

It is about as bright as when I reinstalled it.

[Bob Ashlock]

I used an industrial rattle can... Seymour 'Alumiblast'. It is the closest appearance to bead-blasted aluminum, is fairly thin and still looked good after a year. It's easy to use and touch up. Best stuff ever.

[victatwin]

Hi, I had mine professionally polished and to keep in good condition I use WD40 lightly every few weeks to stave off the dull effect:


Before




And after for $45.00 Au through local guy.

[James Brown]

i'm just surprised that OSHA hasn't mandated a guard around that thing!

[esonefour]

Originally Posted by James Brown

i'm just surprised that OSHA hasn't mandated a guard around that thing!

Haha I was thinking the same thing when looking for an air leak

[wachuko]

I did that when I installed the new alternator and housing (old one cracked)... Red Tractor paint from the local Tractor Supply store

2007



Yesterday

[Dr J]

I painted once, greyish color and it did not hold up that well after a year or two. I went with powder coating and it looks good. The coating is fairly resistant. I looked at all of the color schemes and liked the black housing and silver fan look the best. I had the pulley powder coated gold and I think it looks pretty good. Given that it is such a visible piece, you want it done right.

[maui44]

Well after receiving some good pictures and feedback for you all, I decided to go with the "natural" look.

If you take a look at the first picture on this thread, you can see why it took me a full day. I used various sizes of steel brushes to get it to where it's at now.

I do have a question. I am assuming the fan is made of aluminum. What is the best thing you can put on it so it stays nice and does not tarnish. I do not really want to put a clear coat on it because of yellowing and possible chipping down the road.

Thanks again everyone,


Ron

[James Brown]

gibbs oil is good don't know where to get it but some will chime in

[redstrosekNic]

Looks good maui!

[kshafer1]

This thread has a link to the manufacturer and they have an order form. i personally have not used the gibbs brand but i plan to once i clean/polish my fan

Gibbs Brand penetrant

[CountD]

Smart move, that thing looks sweet. Natural is the way to go.