Topic: 1965 289 engine black paint

[CharlesTurner]

Are you dead set on using a spray can?  There are some very good options if you can spray with a gun...  I just painted a '65 motor, looks great.

[ptosborn1111]

No! I don't give a rat's rear end how it's painted (spray can or paint shop), just as long as the money being spent on it turns out right the 1st time. I do like to do some of the work myself but if it means that I have to use a paint shop and booth to get it right then that's how I will do it.
It's nice to hear other peoples experiences and how the engine paint turned out. And what they found to work the best. I hate to beat a dead horse, but when your piling 10s of thousands of dollars into a classic car you kinda get particular!
Pat

[Jack65K]

I used Rustoleum high temp semi gloss black and it came out nice.
Jack

[Texas Swede]

I used Krylon Engine Color, Universal Black #1612. Quite shiny after 20 years on my 65 GT350.
Texas Swede

[CharlesTurner]

Here's a good formula to spray with a gun. 

PPG DCC9300, black with SU4985 universal matting agent.  Use 3:3:0.5:1  (Paint:Flattener:Reducer:Hardener

Prime the bare metal with PPG DP90LF epoxy primer.  Be sure to topcoat within 48 hours for a chemical bond.

You may want to spray out on a test panel and let it dry.  I've had to adjust the flattener down a bit, like 2.75 if it dries too dull.  Also, don't freak out if the paint looks too glossy right after painting.  Wait a few hours and it should dry in perfect.

For engine bays, I like to use a 3:2.5 ratio with 2 passes, 1.4 tip hvlp gun.

This is a very durable paint system, you can use the same paint on many other areas, just flatten accordingly.  It takes extra work and equipment, but you'll be very happy with the results.  I use DCC paint for interiors also, looks great when done right.

[ptosborn1111]

Thanks! The wife is smiling from ear to..... well you know. I should be good from here!

[jtfx6552]

Here's a good formula to spray with a gun. 

PPG DCC9300, black with SU4985 universal matting agent.  Use 3:3:0.5:1  (Paint:Flattener:Reducer:Hardener

Prime the bare metal with PPG DP90LF epoxy primer.  Be sure to topcoat within 48 hours for a chemical bond.

You may want to spray out on a test panel and let it dry.  I've had to adjust the flattener down a bit, like 2.75 if it dries too dull.  Also, don't freak out if the paint looks too glossy right after painting.  Wait a few hours and it should dry in perfect.

For engine bays, I like to use a 3:2.5 ratio with 2 passes, 1.4 tip hvlp gun.

This is a very durable paint system, you can use the same paint on many other areas, just flatten accordingly.  It takes extra work and equipment, but you'll be very happy with the results.  I use DCC paint for interiors also, looks great when done right.

How much do you think you need for a whole car? I guess I'll be doing the bottom too (near as I can tell the bottom of mine was black with lots of white overspray). The bottom will take less flattener I guess, any hints on a ratio to start with for that?

So total, I'll be doing a 200 6 cylinder block and head, the bottom, and the engine compartment, probably makes sense to buy a gallon.

[Bob Gaines]

How much do you think you need for a whole car? I guess I'll be doing the bottom too (near as I can tell the bottom of mine was black with lots of white overspray). The bottom will take less flattener I guess, any hints on a ratio to start with for that?

So total, I'll be doing a 200 6 cylinder block and head, the bottom, and the engine compartment, probably makes sense to buy a gallon.

If plant and or time period indicates it is dark on the underside then more likely it is a very dark slop gray rather the black black. Many past restorers have been fooled. Not to say it couldn't be but most likely dark dark gray .There have been other threads on this same subject if you want to do a search.

[tobkob]

There is an automotive paint store in the next town over that will mix the paint and load it in a spray can. Good spray pattern and works great for small items. They color matched and I sprayed my shocks, FMX dip stick tube and engine with these.
TOB

[jtfx6552]

Here's a good formula to spray with a gun. 

PPG DCC9300, black with SU4985 universal matting agent.  Use 3:3:0.5:1  (Paint:Flattener:Reducer:Hardener

Prime the bare metal with PPG DP90LF epoxy primer.  Be sure to topcoat within 48 hours for a chemical bond.

You may want to spray out on a test panel and let it dry.  I've had to adjust the flattener down a bit, like 2.75 if it dries too dull.  Also, don't freak out if the paint looks too glossy right after painting.  Wait a few hours and it should dry in perfect.

For engine bays, I like to use a 3:2.5 ratio with 2 passes, 1.4 tip hvlp gun.

This is a very durable paint system, you can use the same paint on many other areas, just flatten accordingly.  It takes extra work and equipment, but you'll be very happy with the results.  I use DCC paint for interiors also, looks great when done right.

I wanted to confirm 3:3:.5:1 is Paint:Flattener:Reducer:Hardener. But which hardener is that? My jobber sent me home with DX61 which the usual mix has twice the reducer as hardener. I did notice that there are other hardeners where that is reversed.

edit, I found this link to a .pdf which may be helpful. It shows that hardener is twice the amount of reducer even with DX61.   http://buyat.ppg.com/RefinishProductCatalog/ServeFile.ashx?FileId=be239ff3-f2e4-4c48-a047-14ddcbdb50e1

[CharlesTurner]

Yes, that's the mix ratios from the SU4985 spec sheet.  You want a slow hardener, using anything else will cause dry areas and inconsistency.... although the factory jobs were not all that great.