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Painting an engine block

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I will one day soon be getting my barebones TR3 block back from the shop after it is thorougly cleaned and would like to paint it at this time. I am sure that step one would be to remove any oily residue from the surfaces to be painted. So, could someone give me a step-by-step process for doing such - what to clean it with, what to mask off, what coating (paint?) to use, what lubricant to apply to remaining unpainted surfaces for storage until the project takes off, what toothpaste is the best, etc., etc., etc.....


Bill
 
Mornin Bill:
I favor crest myself, but depends on your taste.....Heh
Black on the engine, as per the TRA Judging and Restoration guidelines page UH-17. You really should have the block cleaned at your local automotive machine shop.
after that it should be ready to paint. I normally use Rustoleum primer on everything, though the factory used a dipping vat and "cheap" black lacquer, and no primer,from what I have read. Fastest way is to use a spray can, but then you have to deal with masking. I used a brush on my block and it came out fine. There is so much stuff hung on the block you can't see much of it anyway. Also I would use a gloss paint. I would use WD-40 on the non-painted surfaces. It will do the job for you and not eat up the paint.Good luck, Tinkerman
 
Oh, By the way, I clean with paint thinner. Inexpensive, well it used to be, and More importantly, it leaves no residue.
Cheers, Tinkerman
 
Thanks Tink, never dawned on me to use a brush! Makes total sense. Was not looking forward to masking off the block! Will take it from here....

Oh, and try Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. The first toothpaste that has everything you could possibly put in a tube, and maybe some things you might not want. Works good. Don't forget to floss.
Now, our billing statements should cancel out each other...Hah!


Happy trails.


Bill
 
Bill:
Crest should send you a gift certificate for your favoite Triumph vendor. I will be getting Crest Pro-Health toothpaste next time I'm in the store! A brush on the block works fine too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Bill, I use spray Brake Cleaner to remove any residue prior to painting a block or head. It makes it easy to get into the nooks and crannies, and leaves no residue.
For corrosion protection, I use LPS-3. It's guaranteed to protect uncoated steel for two years, which could be an issue in your climate. Unless you're proceeding with the assembly very soon, I don't think WD-40 will be up to the task.
If you are painting the head, a nickel placed in the spark plug gasket area is a perfect mask. I have several painted nickels in my paint cabinet! Or, you can just fully install the old spark plugs.
Jeff
 
I agree with all cleaning methods mentioned, especially the brake clean at the end to get residue off the block. You may want to look into the POR15 Rust Inhibitor site for a once and for all solution to painting after cleaning is done. Mine is attached with the black coat done after cleaning. If I post again, Ill show you with engine back together before body shop.
 
Now here is the after, but not quite finished yet.
 
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