alum. primer

[anthony7777]

gents,as ive been recently mentioning here ive got both my eng. and trans. out for a rebuild im wondering what folks have been using for a primer on the aluminum bits and also a good gripping paint for the engine block, pictured are two cans of primer one an old,old, empty can of zinc chromate that worked well for me but i dont believe is available today, and the other a zinc phosphate primer that ive used with moderate success on outboard motor parts e.i. aluminum lower units. so whats the skinny on anything new and wonderfull? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif

 

[Bugeye58]

Zinc Chromate is still readily available. Zinc Oxide is being offered as a safer product.
Jeff

 

[Keoke]

Hi 7777, I do not use a primer. Once the surfaces are degreased and clean. Moss's Healey Green paint seems to stick just fine.--Fwiw---Keoke

 

[John Loftus]

Zinc Chromate works great on aluminum as do most self-etch primers. I repainted my gearbox lately. The old paint was still sticking to the cast iron gearbox but a good bit of paint had peeled off the aluminum (bell housing,OD,top cover/shifter extension). I used Hirsch enamel, btw. Here's a few before and after pictures:

gearbox painting

 

[Randy Forbes]

PPG, besides marketing several outstanding primers (DP-50/401 comes immediately to mind), also offers a few products specifically to clean/brighten aluminum prior to (any) painting.

If you have a compressor and even an inexpensive spray gun(Sharp/Finex make xlnt guns for under $100.00) it opens up your primer/topcoat choices dramatically over aerosol products.

 

[BlueRidge2]

Primer! We don't need no stinking primer... I agree with Keoke. Bob

 

[Johnny]

Looks great John. Just out of curiousity why didn't you attach the rear transmission mounts before painting? Aren't they also supposed to be green?

 

[John Loftus]

Hi Johnny,

The original ones I've seen have been black which would indicate they were attached after the gearbox/OD was painted or maybe they weren't really original and had been replaced at some point. This is also one of those cases that doesn't matter for concours because unlike the motor mounts, they can't be seen during judging. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Cheers,
John

 

[John Loftus]

Hey Anthony,

Just to be clear. I did a lot of degreasing (used the Purple Industrial Cleaner from Home Depot) with heavy scotch bright pads and hot water. Lots of sanding and wire wheel work to remove old paint. Final wipe with lacquer thinner and then the self-etch primer. Marhyde, Sims and Dupli-color all have self-etch primers in spray cans that will work for aluminum (and steel).

Cheers,
John

 

[anthony7777]

gents, thanks great info, i just would like to know how john loftus got hold of my transmission? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[BlueRidge2]

John, Great looking restoration. Br2

 

[John Loftus]

gents, thanks great info, i just would like to know how john loftus got hold of my transmission? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

Keoke dropped if off after midnight awhile back. You'll have to ask him. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

 

[John Loftus]

John, Great looking restoration. Br2

Thanks BlueRidge! I hope to drive the Healey on Skyline Drive at some point, and down into the Smokeys. I lived for many years in Virginia and get back every so often to visit family.

Cheers to all y'all.

John

 

[Keoke]

gents, thanks great info, i just would like to know how john loftus got hold of my transmission? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

Keoke dropped if off after midnight awhile back. You'll have to ask him. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif

That reminds me John. I know you be busy but have you put the check in the mail for the Tranny yet??---Keoke /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[John Loftus]

That reminds me John. I know you be busy but have you put the check in the mail for the Tranny yet??---Keoke /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

o.k. but only pennies on the dollar .. especially now that I know where it came from! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[anthony7777]

john, i somehow knew keoke had sumtin do do wit it! = /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cowboy.gif - i was wondering if anyones heritage certificate had the original trans, number listed on it mine does not. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif and randy yes i do have a couple a compressors and several paint guns and also a hitachi h.p.l.v. system thats what ill be using rather then spray cans.

 

[nascarcharlie]

Don't get to reply often, but yes my BMIHT Certificate states Gearbox number 5181 (December 64 build BJ8).

 

[Keoke]

That reminds me John. I know you be busy but have you put the check in the mail for the Tranny yet??---Keoke /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

o.k. but only pennies on the dollar .. especially now that I know where it came from! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

-- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif-- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/shocked.gif

Well you remember I told you upfront I didn't think it gonna be much good after setin in that swimmin pool for solong.-- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cryin.gif-Keoke

 

[anthony7777]

nascarcharlie, thanks i wonder why mine doest show my trans # ,keoke, i wish i did have the trans, outa that bn4, then id be swimin in aruba not here in burrr-mudda ct, /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cry.gif it was so windy last night i though i had an f4 phantom flyin round my bed room and cold bro! i have to take down a temp retaining wall in a pre-fab house this morning-no elect or heat yet thats gunna be fun! wish you was here. lets see what did my wife do with my long johns? she probably waren em! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/whistle.gif