thebruce

I've made the decision to remove my RPM AirGap intake and go back to stock L82 intake manifold and Q-jet. I've still got the original intake, and I want to clean it up and paint it. Questions:

1. Should I have it bead or sand blasted? It's got just very light surface rust where the paint has chipped/flaked off.
2. Should I use spray enamel or something else? What is POR-15 and should I use it?
3. What would it cost to have it refinshed somewhere? Is it cheap enough to warrant sending it out instead of doing it myself?

I'll probably offer my RPM Air Gap, along with the Performer 600 carb, drop base air cleaner, and filter element for sale on the forum once I'm done (which will be months from now).

Thanks. :flag


[Modified by thebruce, 4:21 PM 3/24/2004]

Jack71

:lol: Sounds like all my projects!

I think I'd have it blasted and painted with high heat engine enamel. I don't know if POR15 makes a regular high heat paint.

Just looked, guess they do!
http://www.por15.com/product.asp?productid=284

I'd probably stick with a spray can though because I'm :yawn:

thebruce

Jack71-- Thanks for the info on POR. would you recommend using their spray enamel, or will any high heat enamel do?

And yes, EVERYTHING takes a few months.... :smash:

Michel B

Glass beading will do the trick just fine, its a little less brutal than sand but it all depends on who's doing it and what grit and pressure is used. butt for the paint, I'm a big believer on two part paints and primers, these paints do not strip when fuel and oil fall on them. One thing to rremember is you get what you are willing to pay for :cheers:

comp

i vote , glass bead, and VHT or Duplacolor , high temp engine enamel, go
ahead and redo as much of it while you have it down :thumbs:
and let us know about parts, I'd like to try a AIR-GAP on a mild 383

maxpanic

I talked to a local sandblasting shop yesterday (Cleveland), they get 55.00 per hour for any blasting - sand, glass beads, black beauty, but no media blasting. Min charge of 16.00.

Michel B

Very reasonable price!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yesnod:

thebruce

I'm going to call around today and see how the prices compare to that. I'll probably ask my local speed shop who they'd go to and find out if they recommend someone to do the blasting and repainting.

Comp- I'll let you know when the Air-Gap is off. All the dyno reviews I've read about it say it makes great numbers on the dyno. The only reason I'm going to get rid of it is that I want to go back to the stock air cleaner and Q-jet, and the Air Gap only takes square bore carbs.

thebruce

I just found a place that will degrease and bead blast the manifold and put a primer coat on it for $40.00. Sound like a good deal to me. I may pay the extra $10-15 and have them remove and reinstall the tray on the bottom after blasting rather than doing it myself.

Edzred72

Eastwood sells a brush on high temp engine paint with hardener called "1Shot" Works well for those who don't want to disassemble the whole engine, and mask and tape the compartment. I used the orange on my 72 block and it looks awsome. Just a suggestion.....
Eddie

HDIronman

I had mind bead blasted for $30.00, but that was because I wanted to wait for it. They had it done in 30 minutes. Normally it would have been $20.00.

Be very certain that you clean it thouroughly. Use soap and water and bottle brushes in the runners. You don't want any stray particles in your cylinders.

Then I painted mine with a Hi-temp aluminum paint. Turned out sweet.

The rivets underneath will pop right out, and should be done before blasting. Then you can put them back in if they are tight. Or you can put in some self taping screws.

:cool:


[Modified by HDIronman, 5:40 PM 3/25/2004]

BEBOP138

I know it`s cheaper to bead blast and paint but I would spend a little extra and have it powder coated. It not really all that expensive and it makes it look real nice and it`s one of the first things you notice when you open the hood. What is good about powder coating it stays nice and cleans up like new paint. :chevy