Silver Engine paint question - what is the best?

johnRFain29U · February 02, 2008, 05:33:19 PM

Thanks guys!

1)? I cleaned and polished the vacume tank and fuel lines, then painted them with clear POR-15.? It has held up well for the last 4 years.? The fuel line coming in is the original jacketed steel line.? (I also cleaned the inside and coated it with a kit for sealing motorcycle tanks.? That has stopped the corrosion inside - and I have had no problems with the vacume fuel tank.)

2)? I painted the head before I put in on the block.? I figured that if I had painted the nuts first, the paint would get chiped when I torque them down.? I can paint the nuts when the torque settles down (after I retorque the engine warm.)? ?

3)? I got the hood holder from MAC's Antique Auto Parts.? It comes with extra parts so it can be adapted to Ford, Chevrolet, Plymouth, etc.? It came with modern lock nuts, which I replaced with standard nuts and lockwashers.? It is called a Hood Prop Kit, P# A16613, and sells for $24.95, and is made of stainless steel.

http://www.macsautoparts.com/aa.html

chetbrz · January 28, 2008, 05:57:07 PM

John,

Very pretty engine compartment. I especially like the Vacuum Fuel Canister. Very spiffy especially with the copper plumbing.

Chet?

John Hendricks · January 28, 2008, 10:40:02 AM

where did u get the nifty hood holder bracjet?

johnRFain29U · January 27, 2008, 11:41:11 PM

Thanks guys!
I decided to stay with POR-15 paint, mainly for compatibility, since I had used POR-15 "Stirling Silver" before.? This time I used their engine enamel - color aluminum.? Hopefully it will hold its color better than the "Stirling Silver", which? really isn't.

racertb · December 20, 2007, 11:15:15 PM

I'll get some photos taken this weekend and send to your email address...

johnRFain29U · December 19, 2007, 12:01:49 AM

Sure - thanks!

jfain[delete this bit 6adea7214722a][insert an at symbol here]sw.rr[insert a dot here]com

racertb · December 18, 2007, 04:43:46 PM

Hey John:

On my '29, there was just "regular" silver spray paint used on the head only (like a Krylon or similar) which has been on there about 15 years and still looks good for its age. If you want, I can send you some photos.

Ted

John Hendricks · December 13, 2007, 10:53:27 AM

the 4 cyl blocks were painted black with a silver head. the red head was an option- higher compression.

I used a high temp engine block paint -silver- from NAPA in my Ply PU-PT105. That was about 5 or 6 years ago and it seems to be holding up fine for the limited use that it gets.

30U sedan · December 12, 2007, 09:14:25 PM

My engine looked original to me.....decide for yourself.

DENNISKS · December 12, 2007, 04:20:21 PM

I want to ask all of you a very simple question. Before you painted the head on your 4 cyl Plymouth did you notice any silver paint that looked original? I have three 4 cylinder engines and none of them shows even the slightst hit of ever have been painted silver. In fact the engine on my 28 4 door was painted a very dark blue with the accessories being painted black. My car is 98% original and I do believe it is correct. I know that to have your car judged the engine head is to be painted silver. I you will never make me believe just because it is called a Silver Dome that it had to be painted silver. I have seen factory pictures which look like drawings where the head is a lighter color. However all of these are in Black & White so who knows for sure. The spare engines are both from 1929 models and do not fit my 1928.

Dennis

David Pollock · December 12, 2007, 02:04:16 AM

For years I have used acrylic enamel just as you would use on the body of the car. Any colour you wish. My choice for silver is Pewter gray metallic such as used on Aspen and Volare. It looks a little richer than Aluminum.

Apply directly over bare cast iron, no primer, and do not build up any more than is necessary to cover. It will air dry nicely. (no hardener) Durability is excellent and it cleans up well because the finish stays shiny. My 51 Plymouth engine still looks good after 20+ years and 45000 miles.

Chris in Jax · December 11, 2007, 10:32:06 PM

sounds like y'all are making this too complicated.
any problem with el-cheapo Rustoleum aluminum?
it's awfully bright when fresh, but it ages nicely......

f.w.i.w., my experiences with Bernbaum have not been good, either.

57plymouth · December 11, 2007, 08:54:57 AM

Several points:

First if the paint is in a spray can, it will not last long. Use a good paint and a paint gun. I used Bill Hirsch, but the color is too dark. The POR is supposed to be brighter.

http://bacooper.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album10&id=Flathead

I have had good results with the Hirsch lasting and holding. It stains with gas easily though, as I learned on my 340. My next motor will be painted with PPG catalyzed urethane in the brightest silver color I can get my paws on.

The current Mopar engine paint is particularly bad. Avoid it at all costs.

Third, avoid Burn-bum like cancer. He wrote the book on bad service and high prices.

my33ply · December 11, 2007, 08:51:16 AM

I've used silver engine paint in a spray can from the local auto parts store on both of my engines. The results are great and so is the durability.

johnRFain29U · December 10, 2007, 11:28:19 PM

What is the best silver engine paint to use?? I painted the head on my 1929 Silver using POR-15.? That is tough paint, but the color was disapointing.? It looks more like grey than "Stirling Silver" as labled.?

Does the Chrysler Silver Engine paint work well and look good?? I cannot find it at the dealorships since they must get it by the case, but Andy Bernbaun has it by the can.