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87glhs
12-15-2008, 08:22 AM
Anyone restore/repaint a black OEM 2.2L valve cover? I've got a bit or corrosion on the left side I need to deal with--probably have to be stripped somehow before repainting. Best way to do this?

rich tideswell
12-15-2008, 09:57 AM
media blast, then powder coat.

Where in MI are you?

87glhs
12-15-2008, 12:07 PM
SW Lower, near Niles

GLHNSLHT2
12-15-2008, 01:00 PM
+1 I bead blasted mine and had it coated with DuPont Black Wrinkle. Looks exactly like stock after sanding the ribs and letters down with a sanding block. Heck I think it looks better than stock.

87glhs
12-15-2008, 05:37 PM
Does the exposed aluminum then need to be clear-coated? Probably going to have to do the intake as well so they match colorwise.

GLHNSLHT2
12-15-2008, 06:06 PM
I haven't clear coated mine and aren't having any issues but I don't drive through salt infested roads with it either. I don't think the factory VC's are clear coated.

rich tideswell
12-15-2008, 09:43 PM
is this just a naturally asperated cover, or the turbo/ shelby cover?

the turbo/ shelby's i thought were wrinkle black, while the NA's got a nice dose of semi gloss. clear coat will make them glossy.

maybe clear first then wrinkle over top?

87glhs
12-15-2008, 11:17 PM
I don't know how the aluminum itself was originally finished before it was painted--I'd guess it was anodized in some way. The media blasting will probably remove that thin coating along with the paint. I don't know if anyone sells a high-temp clear coat--

bfarroo
12-16-2008, 07:05 PM
If you sand off the lettering and hit it with some mothers aluminum polish that will protect it well and also make it shine nicely.

Nemesismachine
12-22-2008, 10:04 AM
you can polish it, no need to clear it as aluminum doesnt rust. it may oxidize in a few months, but mag polish makes short work of that.

87glhs
12-22-2008, 10:44 AM
Unfortunately we live in the midwest so the car sees a lot of temperature and moisture extremes--maybe a high temp epoxy clear coat? I know the factory mag (aluminum) rims came with some sort of clear coat on them.