Painting the Fan

hoss4659 · 03-01-2016, 11:08 AM

I have run down numerous threads on re-finishing the fan and shroud. Several instances of both successful paint and paint not adhering to the magnesium fan. Some of the success stories note the use of VHT hi temp paint--makes sense. I am wondering about preparing the surface. My guess is that after cleaning, the surface should be given a light sanding to provide a mechanical "tooth" for the paint to lock on to.

Would appreciate confirmation or refutation from those with experience. Counter to this assumption are those who have polished the fan and then given it a coating of VHT clear. Maybe getting the fan super clean before painting is the secret.

gamin · 03-01-2016, 11:23 AM

Powder coat. Done it numerous times. Pick your color. I have always done silver/gray. Usually have to sand down ends of blades due thickness of coating. Very durable.

Bob Ashlock · 03-01-2016, 11:47 AM

Here is a lower cost solution that worked out really good for me. I spray painted the fan using Seymour "Dull Aluminum" and did the housing in Seymour "Stainless Steel". This stuff really sticks after it cures and if it ever gets messed up, you can always re-do it without any drama.

pemz0r · pemz0r's Garage

second on the powder coating. I sand papered the ends of the blades as well. I also left the area where the belt rides unpainted.

Duc Hunter · Duc Hunter's Garage

I love the idea of powder coasing but have a reservation. The way these engines get wet from the decklid opening, the fact that you have to sand the ends of the blades for clearance afterwords (leaving them bare magnesium), and that I live near the ocean....I would think the bare ends would start to corrode (in an area hard to see), and then corrode under the powder coat.....and by the time you saw the damage the fan would be useless. As I already have 1 fan/housing that is shot, and dropped an aluminum one that SUCKS....and cannot seem to source a good replacement mag fan/housing.....wouldn't paint be better? It is easier to repair yourself, the ends of the blades can stay coated (if you lay it on thin)?

tirwin · tirwin's Garage

Well, you know I'm going to say ceramic coat and use Mark Motshagen...

gamin · 03-01-2016, 02:58 PM

Well, if worried about corrosion of the blade ends after sanding, why not sand them before the powder coating? I don't live near the ocean but we do have a lot of humidity. Have at least 7 years on powder coated fan and no problems. Zip point zero. Nada. Tough stuff.

Erichter · Erichter's Garage

Just had my housing and fan refinished my Mark Motshagen, great quality and a great guy to deal with

Before

After

bgyglfr · 03-02-2016, 03:44 PM

I glass bead them and then clear coat. I like the bare finish. Another option is have someone like Shaun (tru6 on here) refinish it. He even refinishes the plating on the pulleys etc. Nice work from what I've seen.

86 911 Targa · 03-02-2016, 04:37 PM

^^^^^
Glass bead & Satin VHT.

Gerry

Tidybuoy · 03-02-2016, 04:39 PM

As mentioned above, Tru6 refinished my fan which consisted bead blasting and clear coat. He removed the pulley and replated.

For the housing, I had it ceramic coated, which is thinner than powder coat. It is done in cast iron gray.

Jdub · 03-02-2016, 04:45 PM

Flagging this post for engine porn.

schmidder · schmidder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erichter

Just had my housing and fan refinished my Mark Motshagen, great quality and a great guy to deal with

Before

After

What does something like that cost?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

pemz0r · pemz0r's Garage

i live near the beach and haven't had a problem.

gtc · gtc's Garage

I bead blasted mine, then spray painted with alumi-blast paint. Never had a problem with paint chips on the leading edge of the fan blades like everyone talks about.

0396 · 03-02-2016, 10:21 PM

Now its just me, but when I see Honda Civic owners paint the brake calipers " red " like the original Big Reds. ..I just smile...as they want to copy / look like a Porsche Caliper.
What's wrong with the original color? Anyway just my .02

bigel · bigel's Garage

Just a quick buff to the housing with metal polish and rattle can flat black...I'm happy with the results.

flameon · flameon's Garage

How do you get in touch with Mark?

Erichter · Erichter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by flameon

How do you get in touch with Mark?

Mots356@yahoo.com
1-949-463-2892

Erichter · Erichter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by schmidder

What does something like that cost?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Call Mark to get a price. Every fan needs a different amount of work. I'll just say I think for the finished product his price was more than fair.

Mots356@yahoo.com
1-949-463-2892