I have a SOHC cover and i want to paint it. my plan is to paint it black with a much lighter gray or silver on the vanes and red lettering.
i need tips on how to make it look presentable. (i.e. do i need to use primer?, any sanding?, basecoat?, clearcoat?)

 

the rule of thumb when painting is always prep. i have painted many valve covers and the best ones always come when i wire brush primer and paint. them

also you want to use an high temp paint on the valve cover. other than that maintain a 6 to 8 inche distance and make a sweeping motion while painting.

 

paint stripper works well also. strip paint, wirebrush, sand, prime, paint,ect.

 

Purple Power + Wire Brush + High Temp Paint = High Quality job


Or you can get it powder coated. Late Night Customs do an awesome job

http://www.latenightcustom.com/

 

well, i gathered materials for the job and i have a few questions:

1. How do I protect the valve train while the valve cover is off?

2. When i put the cover back on, i will replace the gasket; do i need to use a sealant? I have never taken any part of an engine apart so i have absolutely no clue.

3. How much torque do i use on the cover bolts? I cannot trust the Chilton's manual because it said 80 ft-lbs on the brake caliper bolt and the bolt stripped like hell. so its untrustworthy.

4. My dad thinks the brush is too abrasive; he thinks it would gouge the cover. Or could it just be that he thinks the cover is aluminum when it is actually steel, and i can be as agressive as i feel like?

5. Also do I use the wire brush to clean the surface for primer, after primer and before paint, or after paint during the sanding stage? i really have no clue what i am doing.

I plan on making a write up when i finish and showing off my mad painting skills

 

lol if you striped a caliper bolt tightening with a hand tool your either the Hulk, you didnt thread it on right, or your bolt was already f***ed up.... i would trust the book 80 foot pouns sounds right on the caliper bolts even though i just tightened mine with my impact gun that has 1000 foot pounds of torque LOL