[TrainZ28]

Hi -- starting to dress up engine bay on my Camaro. The paint finish is dull and have been told GM did not clear coat under hood. Is there an easy fix? -- Something I can buy in a spray can at NAPA? What to mask off and what not? Or is a job best left to professionals with all the right equipment. My Camaro is paint code 71 if that makes a difference. I would appreciate any advice, Thanks.
TrainZ28

[brian0605]

you can do an exceptible job using "spray bomb" paint. just remember that all the painting rules still apply. Degrease like crazy,scuff up what you want the paint to stick to. I would suggest removing the hood to help ease access to the fire wall area. Is the engine still in?? If so it will make it more difficult to paint although it can be done. If you can remove the engine it would be a plus. And as to what to tape off?? everything you don't want paint on or hard to clean up overspray on. I have done this kind of dress up before. Just take your time and clean thoroughly.Have fun. Brian

[Countilaw]

If you don't want to spray, you can brush on POR-15. It will flow out smooth with a very high gloss. It's tough but not UV resistant.

You still have to prep as Brian stated.

[brian0605]

POr-15 rocks!! I forgot about it. It's hard as nails so what ever you put it on it's on for good, and it will stop rust in it's tracks. I think they now have a formula that is ok for UV exposure. http://www.por15.com These people have quality products that I can personally speak for it's quality. And by the way wear gloves. If you get it on your hands you'll wear it for sometime!!! Brian

[TrainZ28]

Thanks for the tips guys. My existing engine bay paint quality looks OK, just wanted to add the clearcoat with objective in getting a finish somewhat like exterior. I don't mind using a brush here, either. Is this POR-15 a clearcoat, and if so where is good place to purchase? Many thanks again.
TrainZ28

[MrPhotographer06]

i dont know anything about POR-15
but i suspect u can buy it from a sherwin-williams

[TrainZ28]

Thanks, I'll ck them out. Also, found POR-15's website and can order direct via Internet.
TrainZ28

[Countilaw]

POR-15 also has a clear coat. Which is UV protective and can apply it right over the colored POR-15.

[brian0605]

Originally Posted by MrPhotographer06

i dont know anything about POR-15
but i suspect u can buy it from a sherwin-williams

http://www.por15.com search for a dealer here.I know over the years they have added new product lines for many different applications,you can also order on line. you can get a starter kit pretty cheap. It is more or less a sample kit. If you would like to check the stuff out. Just follow their directions and this stuff works exactly as described. We have even done some stuff with this product that they don't even tell you about. We had a large hole in the inner fender well below the battery.We removed the remains or the old battery box.(since we were relocating it to the trunk anyway) We took a regular ole paper towel, brushed it with por-15, brushed the under side of the prepped fender well hole. We then applied the soaked paper towel over the hole. Carefully positioned it then let it dry. Once it was dry we scuffed the inside of the fender well over the patch with 80 grit paper,then cleaned it with thinner and applied a coat of dyna glass and then skim coated with regular plastic filler. Then primed and prepped the area as normal and sprayed it with gloss black. It has been done like that now for 8yrs or so and it is showing no signs of fatigue or cracking. Looks great on both sides and you would never know there was a hole there. Once again as I have said before POR-15 ROCKS!! Brian

[TrainZ28]

Good ideas, all. Now to decide to go only with the POR-15 clear coat over my SOM 71 code GM paint and hope it will bring out lustre to finish, OR, change colors, go with gloss black, dry, then apply clear coat on top of that. Hmmmm. Since I already have 4 pieces of stainless steel "bling" under the hood, I am thinking about the black option with clearcoat. Firewall already is black. Course, that costs more and takes more time. Life is about trade-offs , isn't it, guys.......

[brian0605]

pretty much...........

[classic cruzer]

Napa auto parts has it.

[brian0605]

Thanks I didn't know that napa carried it, I have one of those less that 2miles from the house, Brian

[boatbob2]

hi, do not mask off the things that you do not want to paint,use aluminum foil(or tin foil) its easy to put on,and easy to take off.my 48 ford coupe chassis was done in POR 15, by the previous owner,i was not impressed,especially after i saw the rust under it. so after i pulled the body off the chassis,i used a 2100 psi pressure cleaner to remove the grease and oil,imagine my surprise,when i blasted about 80% of the por 15 off too. i think its J--K,i will not use it again...Im boatbob2

[Countilaw]

I am sure that you have to degrease before you apply POR-15. It states in the instructions that you have to remove all the "loose" rust and dirt.

Maybe the previous owner just painted over all the dirt and oil? I got some on the shop floor and it's still there today. Guess that is what happens when you keep the shop floor clean.

I've used it and have been very pleased with it.