Paint my Iron Block?
#2
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
The iron block does look bad after some time. Here's before and after inspiration for you .
Click link for the after... http://lm753lrebuild.shutterfly.com/?role=-1
This is the only pic I took of the before...
Click link for the after... http://lm753lrebuild.shutterfly.com/?role=-1
This is the only pic I took of the before...
Trending Topics
#8
TECH Enthusiast
I have actually cleaned them up before, using a wire brush, then scotch brite pads. Bead blasting also works well. You do not really need high temp paint for the block, it never really gets that hot, like heads or exhaust. I think about the hottest a block gets is about 220F. I have primed them with automotive primers, such as epoxy, or polyester high fill primers. As far as color, the sky is the limit. Some good ideas are metallic silver, it makes them look like an OEM aluminum block somewhat if you get the right shade. Another option is to paint them the correct color for the car they are in, IE chevy orange, pontiac blue, Oldsmobile gold, etc. I have also painted the blocks to match the body color of the car before.
If you are looking for a show car unique finish. You can even go a little over the top, polishing the block as smooth as you can with a flap disc, then spraying a couple coats of high build primer, then sand it with 400 grit. When you have it as smooth as a baby's behind, topcoat, clear coat, color sand with like 1500-2000 grit, and buff it back to a shine with compound. This is typically reserved for 6 figure + show cars, but I have done it before, and also painted the transmission to match. It is a lot of work, but doesn't cost more than about a hundred bucks for materials and supplies.
If you are looking for a show car unique finish. You can even go a little over the top, polishing the block as smooth as you can with a flap disc, then spraying a couple coats of high build primer, then sand it with 400 grit. When you have it as smooth as a baby's behind, topcoat, clear coat, color sand with like 1500-2000 grit, and buff it back to a shine with compound. This is typically reserved for 6 figure + show cars, but I have done it before, and also painted the transmission to match. It is a lot of work, but doesn't cost more than about a hundred bucks for materials and supplies.