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Slow progress - but progress all the same

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Basil

Basil

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Well, tonight I finished re-installing the pistons in my Spitfire engine, after installing new AE rings! For some reason, gaps in the rings that were installed before were way too wide (double specs) This is what I "suspect" may have been why I was getting too much crank case pressure, and thus oil out the back end (even with a brand new rear seal). Before I put the motor back in, I have to decide how much detailing I want to do on the firewall and frame, front end, etc. first
 
Now is the time to do it! It gets real tedious when all the stuff is back in the engine bay. I would suggest you go for it now. Post pictures.

Good luck, Tinkerman
 
Ditto what Tinkerman said.

But, I think Basil already knows it! :yesnod:

Do it now, while it's easier.
 
That's my inclination. One thing that is going to be a pain is that someone had put undercoating on the firewall (the lower part below the ledge). I am pretty sure that is just supposed to be painted, so I may attempt to get all that junk off, then having the entire firewall and frame rails re-painted.
 
You'll be cursing for a short while, but smiling for a long time after that.
 
Ditto Paul!
 
Basil,
You know the only way to properly 'do it' is to put everything back together as quickly as possible and then, and only then, try and make things look nice.
 
This is how it starts. While I have this apart I may as well.......
I feel a severe case of shipwrights disease setting in boss. Be careful. :smile:
 
Basil said:
That's my inclination. One thing that is going to be a pain is that someone had put undercoating on the firewall (the lower part below the ledge). I am pretty sure that is just supposed to be painted, so I may attempt to get all that junk off, then having the entire firewall and frame rails re-painted.
Click to expand...

There are a number of ways to deal with that nasty undercoating gunk. One of my preferred methods for smallish areas is to take the wire wheel to it and scrub it off. Then, prime and paint.

Not good for some areas, but works like a charm on others.

Let us know what you do with it . . .
 
vagt6 said:
Basil said:
That's my inclination. One thing that is going to be a pain is that someone had put undercoating on the firewall (the lower part below the ledge). I am pretty sure that is just supposed to be painted, so I may attempt to get all that junk off, then having the entire firewall and frame rails re-painted.
Click to expand...

There are a number of ways to deal with that nasty undercoating gunk. One of my preferred methods for smallish areas is to take the wire wheel to it and scrub it off. Then, prime and paint.

Not good for some areas, but works like a charm on others.

Let us know what you do with it . . .
Click to expand...

One guy locally suggested that I use a small torch to heat it up, then scrap the majority off with a putty knife.
 
I would try thr wire brush first, it may be easier and less messy. If not then go to plan B.
 
Heat works really well, but don't forget that both the undercoating, and likely whatever is on the other side of the panel, are flammable.
 
What about the Dawn stripper, or aircraft paint stripper?
 
I had that gunky undercoat stuff in my engine bay from the DPO.
I used carburetor cleaner in a spray can, with copious amounts of shop towelds it came off a treat, it just melted away.
 
Lots of good suggestions....I'll probably try each in a small area and see which seems to work the best.
 
:iagree: A heat gun is plenty (but still can do some damage if you're not careful). With it and a fairly dull scraper, you'll likely remove most of the coating without scratching the surface underneath. It's possible that you'll then be able to do final cleanup with a solvent and not have to do anything more unless you find spots of rust or damaged paint.
 
methalethel ketone. MEK. nasty stuff but will cut most any of the goo.
 
I think that you can buy it at Home Depot, but I've heard others say that it is strong.
 
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