What type of paint for engine bay

[frankc]

Hello,

I would like to paint the engine bay, and possibly the wheel wells, of my 911 while I have it mostly apart for other work. The paint does not have to be perfect given its location (I don't think I would attempt this on the shiny side ), but I would like it to look at least as good as the factory paint (preferably better) in these areas as I do show the car occasionally. I am not a painter but was wondering a few things:

1) Folks over on the technical forum say this is something I should be able to tackle myself with a little practice first - do the experts here agree?

2) What type/brand of paint should I use? I've been told I don't need to use a Glasurit urethane paint (in fact I probably shouldn't without a proper respirator - I've started looking into the HobbyAir systems). Another option is to simply use my SCUBA tank (with extension hose) since I would be painting small areas at a time and don't need to be that mobile.

3) For most of the work I plan to simply spray over the existing paint. What is the best way to prepare the existing paint for respray - I've been told primer is not necessary.

4) There are a couple of small areas where the paint is damaged and I will be refinishing from bare metal. What is the best method to prep these areas?

5) Is an HVLP detail gun the best choice for this type of work?

Sorry for all the questions - I've been reading through some of the threads here but still coming up to speed.

Btw, the paint is a Silver Metallic (although the factory seemed to use only some base light-gray coat for most of the bottom of the car), and I will be painting over with the same color (no color change).

Thanks!
Frank

[calling911]

Originally Posted by frankc

Hello,

I would like to paint the engine bay, and possibly the wheel wells, of my 911 while I have it mostly apart for other work. The paint does not have to be perfect given its location (I don't think I would attempt this on the shiny side ), but I would like it to look at least as good as the factory paint (preferably better) in these areas as I do show the car occasionally. I am not a painter but was wondering a few things:

1) Folks over on the technical forum say this is something I should be able to tackle myself with a little practice first - do the experts here agree?

2) What type/brand of paint should I use? I've been told I don't need to use a Glasurit urethane paint (in fact I probably shouldn't without a proper respirator - I've started looking into the HobbyAir systems). Another option is to simply use my SCUBA tank (with extension hose) since I would be painting small areas at a time and don't need to be that mobile.

3) For most of the work I plan to simply spray over the existing paint. What is the best way to prepare the existing paint for respray - I've been told primer is not necessary.

4) There are a couple of small areas where the paint is damaged and I will be refinishing from bare metal. What is the best method to prep these areas?

5) Is an HVLP detail gun the best choice for this type of work?

Sorry for all the questions - I've been reading through some of the threads here but still coming up to speed.

Btw, the paint is a Silver Metallic (although the factory seemed to use only some base light-gray coat for most of the bottom of the car), and I will be painting over with the same color (no color change).

Thanks!
Frank

I use ace hardware rust preventative satin black.

Sounds weird but it looks nice and is pretty durable.

[frankc]

Originally Posted by calling911

I use ace hardware rust preventative satin black.
Sounds weird but it looks nice and is pretty durable.

I probably wasn't clear in my original post - this is a '77 so the engine bay, trunk, wheel wells, etc. are body color (not black as in the early cars) and I so when I was asking what type of paint, I meant urethane, enamel, acrylic, etc.

Frank

[calling911]

Originally Posted by frankc

I probably wasn't clear in my original post - this is a '77 so the engine bay, trunk, wheel wells, etc. are body color (not black as in the early cars) and I so when I was asking what type of paint, I meant urethane, enamel, acrylic, etc.

Frank

I even use it on the wheels..

if you can get a color match get it in anything and use a brush for the engine bay if the motor is staying in.. its amazing how auto paint will flow and you wont see brush marks. I frankly dont think it matters what you get unless your paint isnt thoroughly cured as in a few years.. I would ask your paint store what they can MATCH.. 77... so two stage.. you can blow clear on and let it get on engine parts a little.. no big deal.. and on your engine tin..

Maybe you could mention why you are asking.. maybe that will help others respond more to what you are cornfused about.. I dont know if you are worried about compatibility or what.. Id scuff anything you can get to for sure.. use 120 grit... then use a good wax and crap remover.. Dupont makes some GREAT stuff.. I love it.. doesnt mess with paint at all but takes the dirt grime and wax off.. I fergit what its called but your paint store will know.. none of this stuff is cheap..


And while you dont need a primer just be sure you get ALL the grease and grime off.. but if you cant Id spray primer first.. sounds like your engine is out..

on the bare metal.. use a 1k etch primer in a can.. amazon.com has some.. dupont 1k etch primer.. works great.. you should use etch on bare metal.. one more option would be go to lowes and get "jasco" rust converter/primer.. comes in a bottle.. wipe it on.. it has acid in it and the metal will turn blue.. you can paint right over it but Id hit it with a 1k primer at least.. on amazon you can also find dupont 1k primer.. 1k means you dont mix with a hardener.. its made for spot work.

Doesnt matter which gun you use.. my paint store says HVLP is hard for amateurs to use.. better of with a full out blaster if you can get one.. I use hvlp with problems