We have my dad's LS5 stripped down right now to clean the engine compartment and do some other work. The engine runs great and is in no need of repair so we are not pulling it, but it does need repainted. Is there any way to do this easily while it's in the car? Right now it's stripped, the only thing under the hood is the block, intake manifold, heads, and balancer. Everything else is off and every hole is covered up. I have already degreased the engine. Should I use some sort of primer over top of the existing paint and then shoot it with chevy orange? Or should I try to sand it or strip the paint with some type of paint stripper first? I know that it won't come out as nice as it would if the motor was taken out and bead blasted, but how can I make it look as good as possible? Thanks for your help!

Mike

The biggest problem you'll have is preventing overspray. In the car, I'd go with a rattlecan. Paint the areas that are most visible and the easiest to access. Don't worry about what you can't get at, even if it's noticeable. Take care of those next time the engine does come out of the car.

The sheetmetal parts are self explanatory. Spray them while they're out of the car well before you plan to install them so the paint will have time to dry and harden. For those parts, you may want to consider Por engine paint. If you go with the rattlecan for the pan and covers, give them at least three days to set up.

Be aware that if you paint everything and then try to touch up a scratch after the paint has dried, it will lift and wrinkle. This I know from experience.

You might consider brushing on POR engine paint rather than spraying. Good paint, maybe less mess.

One thing I do that you may also consider is to get about 4 cans of brake cleaner and spray everything down good before you paint. The stuff is great for removing any greasy residue that may remain. I've started using it whenever I paint anything from under the hood.

I tried that once on a 64 Riviera with a big-block in it. Had to do it that way because I didn;t have access to a lift at the time. Took a FULL day to do it (two of us). We detailed the entire engine compartment. If I had it to do over again, I would have probably waited until I has a hoist...just to make it easier to get to everything. But I understand the limitations of some of these projects. Sooooo, yes you can get good results, it's just a matter of taking your time. And clean, degrease and clean again. As the other guys said, be prepared for overspray...but you can control if you are careful and mask things off as required. You can do it and get decent results. I would take particular care with the parts you see the most of...pull the valve covers off and make them right (assuming they are painted)! Good luck!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jack Cummings:
[B]You might consider brushing on POR engine paint rather than spraying. Good paint, maybe less mess.

I second this recommendation.por-15 is a GREAT product IMO.

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Michael
T.C. member # 758
ACES member # 4292

69 malibu convertible
69 malibu h/t 307/pg
<<this space reserved for 66/67 chevelle 4spd>>
01 gmc sierra

One more vote for POR-15. Just follow their recommended application process to a tee. You won't be sorry. See photo in my sig.

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Paul
TC Member #1657
'66 SS 396/360
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For masking, tin foil works good for some things.

And try the brake clean thing - it works great!

Thanks again guys, great info. Looks like I may pull the motor out now anyway. We're going to replace the bellhousing due to cracks, so I figure that since I'll have the tranny off, I may as well pull the motor. I just have to get a hold of a hoist now. Either way, your recommendations are great, thanks!

DON"T bead blast (as you were talking about above ) Unless you plan on disassembling the whole motor... If you get any beads in teh engine, it can hurt things...

The brake cleaner works good, just be careful to not be near the car, because it can hurt the paint (okay if you are repainting)... I have also used Simple Green, and it works pretty good. Not quite as good as the brake cleaner (maybe need to use it a few times), but its cheaper too... I also find a little brush (fingernail, small brass parts-cleaning, and even some tooth brushes) work good to get in all the areas. You will likely be splattered with grease when doing this (and anything else in the area)...

I spray the cleaner on and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grease, then brush all the areas and then respray as needed to clean off the residue

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
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