Engine Part/Heater Box Paint Prep - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pkzip · #1 01-22-2003, 02:16 AM

I am in the process of preparing the air cleaner, heater pipe (in the engine bay) and the heater box for repainting. I plan on doing the following: steel wool "sanding" with coarse grade, then steel wool with fine grade (OOO) then wash with degreasing solution, then use a rust binder/oxidizer/etcher like that used with POR-15, then POR-15 or more likely, chassis black/interior parts spray paint. How does this jibe with what you all have done with black engine compartment parts?

Thanks,

Peter Kaufman

Antony · #2 01-22-2003, 07:26 AM

I would suggest the following as general tips when painting:

1. 'feather' any areas where there is chipped paint. That is so that the transition between the bare metal (where you've sanded) and the painted area surrounding the damage is as gradual and unnoticable as possible. A good rule of thub is about 1/2" area exposed around the chip for each layer of paint you are sanding thru.

2. Be very choosy with the paint you are using as the top-coat. There are many "black's" to choose from. Although they may be similar in color, the texture of the finish can and does vary greatly. The difficult task is to try and match the texture of the original process. The best way to achieve the correct result is to paint a piece of scrap material (the same material that you are re-finnishing), let it dry completely, then put it in the engine compartment and see what you think.

Simple advice, but I hope it saves you the time and frustration of having to do the refinish twice. Good luck.

Tomguy · #3 01-22-2003, 01:59 PM

Well, I would use paint remover (like EZ-Strip, which I just ran out of, and the can was my dad's, about 20+ years old!), instead of feathering, just taking all the old paint off. However, since it isnt visible, all I'd care about would be rust-proofing