[Mitchell_NY]

Guys, whats everyones opinion on painting the valve covers or just getting new ones? When I mention painting them, I mean paying a place to do it. any feedback, would be appreciated. Mine are flakey and chipped paint.

 

[nathanD.rector]

I painted mine red,on my m104.Been painted 3 years,holds up fine.

 

[Smokiesman]

My guess it would be a little more involved on the V12 !!!

Smokie

 

[nathanD.rector]

I painted them on the engine.I cleaned engine good,and used towels and tape.

 

[LWB250]

If you're planing on keeping the car for any length of time, I would seriously consider powder coating them.

I had a number of engine parts powder coated when I did a valve job on my 1970 250C, and they looked fantastic, not to mention a good powder coating shop will have a palette of colors you could never find in a rattle can.

Dan

 

[shimshon]

Base Material to be Painted

I painted them on the engine.I cleaned engine good,and used towels and tape.

What is the base material you painted? Magnesium? or is it Aluminum?

What prep did you do in terms of sanding and priming?

What paint did you select?

 

[nowhereman]

A word of caution about powder coating valve covers, the heat can warp them and give no end of problems with leaks.

The I6 covers are a magnesium aluminium alloy renowned for being porous and allowing oil to come through from behind and lifting the factory finish. Prep with a caustic degreaser taking care not to get any where it shouldn't go and sanding off any flaking paint should do. I'd try and get it back to bare metal, if possible.

I'll let Nathan recommend the paint, I'm in Oz and brands differ.