I'm rebuilding a 55 chevy pickup from the ground up. Right now I have everything off the frame. I'd like to paint the engine compartment the same color as the car body so that everything matches, but my dilemma is this - If I get it painted first I run the risk of scratching the paint when I drop in the motor. On the other hand, it'd be easier to paint with the motor out. Is there a recommended approach here? I'd like to put the motor in now because it's easier for me, but it'll be harder for the paint shop... suggestions???
2007-03-05 05:18:28 · 6 answers · asked by Ben W 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
On a truck like this, usually you get the painting done in stages. First the frame, then the cab followed by the fenders, doors and bed.
On a ground up, I would do the chassis, get it complete with running gear (axles, engine, trans) then install the freshly painted cab while hooking up all the left over electrical and mechanical connections Then install the peripheral sheetmetal like the front inner and outer fenders, grille, and bed.
My dad and I want to fix up our old 55 3100 2nd series someday, so I know what you are dealing with. Have fun!
2007-03-05 05:31:57 · answer #1 · answered by Doug K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definantly drop it in after the paint is dry. It sounds like your making yourself somewhat of a show car, so it would behoove you to take it to paint without the engine and tranny to ensure that you get an even and thorough paint job. Plus, if the engine is in, than you run the risk of getting overspray. I would go to a local U-Haul place and ask for moving blankets to use when installing the engine. Use the blankets around the fenders and anywhere you may be worried about scratching paint. Possibly even cover the majority of the engine in the blankets and tape them in place. It may be a pain to be so careful droppin the engine in, but the paint will look much better. and after all, when you are workin on a 55 chevy.....if you're gonna do sumthin, do it right.
2007-03-05 14:40:46 · answer #2 · answered by Lo-dawg 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether just a repaint or a complete restoration, the usual procedure is to paint the door jambs and the inner fenders and other such surfaces first. I would definately have the engine out to paint the inner fenders and firewall, otherwise you cannot get a complete job. I personally would leave the engine out until the entire job is complete just to keep overspray off of the engine and components. Either way you just have to install it carefully and keep things covered. Just remember, if you need to rebuild the engine sometime you are going to pull it out and I doubt you would repaint the car becaues of that.
2007-03-05 13:43:15 · answer #3 · answered by Auto expert 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are having the engine compartment painted also i would put them in afterwards.. Use some old blankets to cover up the fenders and such when you put it in.. Also you may want to ask the paint shop for some extra paint to touch up any scratches in the engine compartment that may result.
2007-03-05 13:24:08 · answer #4 · answered by B L 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paint it first. Then drop the engine in. Just my opinion.
It's a pain in the neck to work around something when painting.
2007-03-05 13:24:49 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put it in now, its just a little more prep to cover the motor, tape everything off etc.
2007-03-05 13:24:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋