Topic: engine bay paint

[Bob Gaines]

I'm getting ready to do the same.  My paint is pretty bad shape after steam cleaning. How far down does the black paint go on the firewall? I assume it oversprays the the primer floors.

As far as the painter could reasonably reach . Taller painters more shorter ones a little less. The point being that is there is a lot of latitude relatively speaking in application. If you try and do it the way the factory did it by leaning over and spraying what you can reach then you should be fine. The guns back in the day shot a lot of material with a lot of overspray .

[J_Speegle]

.......... How far down does the black paint go on the firewall?  I assume it oversprays the the primer floors.

Depends as Bob mentioned the effort, height, age and other factors that day that car but there is a general range that typically the fall into. Normally they didn't get far enough down to get overspray, from this application on the floor panel but faded out somewhere in the 30 degree panel on the firewall  from what I've seen

[Tiggie]

Jeff - I did search and found that post as well as others.  Gave me tons of info on spray patterns and body color overspray. That is why I like this site.  There is tons of info here and I am trying to digest it all. I am looking for some pictures really. I am considering using SPI black epoxy only (as a topcoat) but want to compare to see if it has the right sheen.

Building 3 - I've had to put two shock towers and one rear fender apron, so the original paint is missing in some areas. The rest is a spray bomb I think. It's rubbery when I strip it... I am wondering if they used latex!  Whatever it is, it's all got to go. That combined with two repaint over sprays under the spray bomb/gooey stuff. I wish this car was nice enough to use the original, but it was too much of a basket case.

KevinK - I think the others have answered your questions but I'll share what I can about my car. The firewall appears to have been well covered with black. The transition between the vertical firewall and horizontal parts of the floor was not covered as much, but appear to have had a minimal black coating. The trans tunnel was very much still red oxide. It got a dusting of black. I don't think the gun ever left the vertical position.

[J_Speegle]

Tiggie First thanks for adding to your signature

Might I suggest that you add the plant and approx or rear build date. If its not there = we're going to ask over and over again

[KevinK]

Thanks for the info. I think now I have enough details to repaint the floor a engine compartment. The light coverage on the lower firewall probably explains mine looks more surface rust than a paint color. Now to find a local guy to to the prep and painting.

[OldMustangGuy]

I am considering using SPI black epoxy only (as a topcoat) but want to compare to see if it has the right sheen.

I'm using the SPI epoxy for SG black. It's absolutely bullet proof and impervious to brake fluid, etc. There has been concern in the past with epoxy's and sun exposure but SPI adds a UV inhibiter so shouldn't be a problem.

Straight out of the can will be too glossy...I've been reducing it about 30% and it looks great.

And just to be a little more clear, I put down an initial coat of just the epoxy and then a reduced coat a day or two later.