advice on plenum/cam cover restoration

[csalisbury]

Not sure if I want to tackle this now, or this fall/winter, just trying to get some ideas from some of you that have done this project. '90 with grey (not silver) paint on the LT5. It isnt in horrible shape, just some staining here and there and rather dull everywhere (80K miles). I used some rubbing compoung on some badly stained spare water inlets and they came out real nice, so I am contimplating taking everything off and doing a real good deep clean on all the painted parts. Thoughts? Also, what to do about the cam cover bolts, they are real ugly. Are they originally blued, powdercoated, or painted? Lastly, I have had the plenum off, so I know what I am getting into with it, any tricks or precautions with the cam covers? I assume that there is a gasket that will need to be replaced with them?

[gunnerja]

If you going to powder coat I recommend ESS. I have seen some of there work and its sharp. They also carry a stainless steel bolt kit to sharpen it up. As for the adhesive... go back to the archives there was a good posting done on a excellent replacement at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy

[DDSLT5]

Originally Posted by csalisbury

Not sure if I want to tackle this now, or this fall/winter, just trying to get some ideas from some of you that have done this project. '90 with grey (not silver) paint on the LT5. It isnt in horrible shape, just some staining here and there and rather dull everywhere (80K miles). I used some rubbing compoung on some badly stained spare water inlets and they came out real nice, so I am contimplating taking everything off and doing a real good deep clean on all the painted parts. Thoughts?

Also, what to do about the cam cover bolts, they are real ugly. Are they originally blued, powdercoated, or painted?

Lastly, I have had the plenum off, so I know what I am getting into with it, any tricks or precautions with the cam covers? I assume that there is a gasket that will need to be replaced with them?

No gasket on the cam covers. Just a sealant. Bolts are painted. Get the stainless steel bolt kit. Have everything powder-coated. Good luck!

[csalisbury]

I appreciate the replies. This is an attempt to clean it up without actually having to paint or powdercoat. We'll see how good it comes out, might be doing it all again for paint

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

just pull it and PC it.

[phrogs]

If you want to just clean it up and not powder coat then do not remove the cam cover bolts once you remove them the washers need to be replace that sit under them.

the bolts are also torqued a specific way


youll also need to replace all your gaskets on the top end from when you tear it all apart so you might want to think about doing powdercoat and just do it all once and get it over with

[locobob]

I'd recomend contacting Jeffvette. Asfar as the bolts, I dislike the look of the torx bit bolts, and also they are prone to getting stripped when removing. The hex socket bolts are much better.

[DMark]

My engine was stained and dirty. First I wiped it down with a wet rag to get the loose dirt off. Then I dried it off with paper shop towels. I used Mother's Mag Polish & 0000 steelwool and about 2-3 hours of finger rubbing. The stains are gone and the entire engine has a glossy gray finish to it now.

DMark


Before



After

[csalisbury]

DMark, nice job. Precisely what I am trying to accomplish, totally original look. Were you able to get to all the painted pieces with out taking them off? If so, you have some mighty small fingers!

[ZR1 MK]

If you dont want to remove the cam covers, you can paint in place. I painted the cam covers and bolts while on the engine. Mask each and spray. I did the cam cover in silver first and bolts in black second. Lettering was done with a brush last.

[DMark]

Originally Posted by csalisbury

.... Were you able to get to all the painted pieces with out taking them off?....

I used toothbrushes to get to the tight spots.

DMark

[LoTu5]

Ime watching this with interest as i need to restore my cam covers and plenum on my 91,i also have a nasty guage on the sump and want to fit a new sump plus ive got an oil leak somewhere,so i might need to take the motor out and be done with it.

Thats a lovely job you have done on yours DMark

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

that is damned impressive Mark

[DMark]

Originally Posted by 90 Corvette ZR-1

that is damned impressive Mark

Thanks, all those years of tax-payer funded training to shine boots & polish brass sometimes can be put to good use!

BTW, I learned about the Mother Polish & 0000 steelwool idea on this forum.

My final step is the following (folks with weak hearts may wish to stop reading now).

- After doing the polish on the engine I clean the ENTIRE engine bay.
- On a COLD Engine.
- I cover the engine with a plastic drop cloth.
- Next I take Simple Green and spray everything down.
- Let the simple Green soak for 3-5 minutes (don't let it dry).
- LIGHTLY spray off the Simple Green with water.
- Repeat the Simple Green Soak 3-5 minutes.
- LIGHTLY spray off the Simple Green with water again.
- With everything still wet, remove the drop cloth from the engine.
- Wipe the engine down with a wet towel, getting the engine surfaces moist.
- With everything still wet .., SOAK THE ENTIRE ENGINE & ENGINE BAY with Armour All!!!!!!
- Drop the hood, Get in the car and drive for 15 minutes.
- Open the hood and EVERYTHING will be clean with a low gloss shine.

I'll been doing this for years with every car I own. I have never, ever had any problems so long as I didn't get water into any areas (electrical) where it could be trapped and not "burnoff" during the 15 minute drive. Even on my Daily Drivers, this method will keep everything looking like new for several months.

Trust Me!

DMark