I just thought I would share a little side project I did while rebuilding my 1991 twin turbo engine. I decided that I wanted to paint the valve covers to look nice, but still be on the cheap (this engine rebuild has hit the bank hard). I hope this helps to show what good results can be had with a little patience and a few rattle cans from walmart.
Basically, the only steps involved were:
1) clean / degrease (I used purple power and simply green)
2) strip the wrinkle black paint (I used rustoleum paint stripper from walmart)
3) prep the newly exposed metal for paint (I sanded with 120 grit sandpaper and then used POR15 metal prep leftover from painting my engine block)
4) prime (I used rustoleum high heat primer - 2x coats)
5) paint (I used rustoleum brake caliper spray paint - 2x coats)
6) gloss (I chose to add rustoleum high temp clear coat for that extra pop - 2x coats)
After painting, I let the covers sit for 24 hours to air out / lightly dry. On the second day I heat cycled the valve covers in the oven 3 times for 45 min each time (first at 200, second at 300, third at 400 degrees). I don't think the oven is required, but it helps to speed up the curing and hardening process especially in cold / damp weather like we have had in my area lately.
Total cost ~ $30 in materials
sigh.... and of course I lost my "before" pictures.
