Before we get on with the step-by-step photos, a few words about painting are in order. The first and most important rule when using aerosol spray paints is to shake, shake, and shake! The better you mix the paint, the better it will cover. The second rule is to put on several light coats, rather than a heavy, wet coat. A heavy coat takes longer to dry, increases the chances for a run, and won't give you a uniform finish.
| DIFFICULTY INDEX ::: II |
| ANYONE'S PROJECT | no tools required | I |
| BEGINNER | basic tools | II |
| EXPERIENCED | special tools | III |
| ACCOMPLISHED | special tools and outside help | IIII |
| PROFESSIONALS ONLY | send this work out | IIIII |
I like Eastwood's self-etching...
I like Eastwood's self-etching primer for all my metal prep work. Aerosol Chevy Orange (or blue if that's what you need) is available from any decent auto parts store.
The blasted sand really takes...
The blasted sand really takes the paint off in a hurry. I used beach sand because it's plentiful and free in my neck of the woods, but sandbox sand or cement-mixing sand works just as well.
Here's one of the valve covers...
Here's one of the valve covers completely blasted. I highly recommend getting a coat of primer on the bare metal as soon as possible to minimize the chances of oxidation. Remember: rust never sleeps!
This is what the pair of blasted...
This is what the pair of blasted covers looked like with several coats of primer on them. As with the finish color, apply the primer in several light coats rather than a single, heavy, wet coat for best results.
Here, I'm applying another...
Here, I'm applying another light coat of Chevy Orange. I used a disposable dust mask to keep the paint overspray from entering my breathing passages and had the garage door completely open for ventilation.
Here are the finished valve...
Here are the finished valve covers ready to be re-installed in my big-block coupe. A nice new oil filler cap, breather elbow, rubber grommets, and cork valve cover gaskets from Paragon Reproductions will add the finishing touches and make the installation look as good as it did when the '67 left the factory four decades ago.