[68Chevele]

I just got 3 older Holley's that are clean as a whistle inside but since they were in a moist garage you know what they look like. Anyone ever use an epoxy paint or something like that work for you? I was thinking of doing powder coating but not sure if that works either.

 

[lucifershammer]

I just got 3 older Holley's that are clean as a whistle inside but since they were in a moist garage you know what they look like. Anyone ever use an epoxy paint or something like that work for you? I was thinking of doing powder coating but not sure if that works either.

A friend of mine has had great luck using a cheap Harbor Freight sonic cleaner and Simple Green solution to get carbs looking like new.

I suppose it depends how bad they are though, but he’s cleaned up some pretty nasty looking ones.

 

[Silver79]

If you can get your hands on some vintage ZEP carb clean and dunk them, they'll be just as shiny on the outside. The new stuff is not nearly as good however. Also, DON'T try to help the new carb clean by putting it in a heated ultrasonic cleaner, that first whiff brought me to my knees! All that said, I haven't ever tried to paint one.

 

[BillK]

One of my customers is a painter at a body shop. He took the carb off his 70 GTX and we glass beaded the parts and then he cleaned them up and painted them with regular automotive paint. Its been close to 5 years and they still look great.

 

[vortec710]

My experience with cleaning up the OUTSIDE of oxidized carbs is to glass bead the rough spots and soda blast them after. Baking soda leaves a nice smooth finish which can be painted if you desire. One word of advice is to wash the carb well with water after you soda blast to remove the residual film which can impair paint adhesion. I am sure others have a preferred treatment based upon experience and availability of blasters and or cleaners / solvents. Mine is a “poor boy’s” method, open to suggestions.

 

[Aaron]

I dont bother with any paint. However, I see the need if your working on a carb that is going on one of those restorations that is all period correct and all that stuff. I never have worked on those before.

Used various cleaners. You find all kinds of formulations on the internet. I like Simple Green as a good cleaner. Mostly just use gas and elbow grease if needed.

Most of carbs are pot metal I believe. I didn't know or don't know if I would consider bead blasting. Might warp. However, maybe yall know better than I do.

 

[nitrofox]

I actually did my Q-jet when I rebuilt it with some of Eastwood's carb renew. While I'm no show car guy, the carb looks pretty good (tons better than it did) and has held up well. I wouldn't spray it with carb cleaner and haven't had the carb flood over, so I don't know how it'll hold up to that. You just dust it on, so there's enough in one can for several carbs. The air cleaner hides most of the carb anyway. The black specs on the carb are from me giving it a drop coat of black to try to give it a less painted look and really doesn't show unless you get real close

 

[Dean]

Anyone read the part of the question "with paint" ?

 

[nitrofox]

Anyone read the part of the question "with paint" ?

I did, that's why I replied. Carb Renew II is a translucent acrylic enamel. That's paint to me.

 

[Aaron]

I actually did my Q-jet when I rebuilt it with some of Eastwood's carb renew. While I'm no show car guy, the carb looks pretty good (tons better than it did) and has held up well. I wouldn't spray it with carb cleaner and haven't had the carb flood over, so I don't know how it'll hold up to that. You just dust it on, so there's enough in one can for several carbs. The air cleaner hides most of the carb anyway. The black specs on the carb are from me giving it a drop coat of black to try to give it a less painted look and really doesn't show unless you get real close View attachment 719115

Looks good. If that is your need.