Aluminum intake painting

[Dick G.]

This morning, I painted my newly rebuilt engine's Aluminum intake on my 65 L79-327/350HP. At this point, I'm dissapointed in the results. Scuffs very easily. Now keep in mind, it's cool outside and I tried to get the shop heated up to 70 degrees. The engine assy. was still cool to the touch. This paint is from Paragon and is a High temp product. Has anyone else tried this paint? Will it toughen up when heated up? Maybe I should have sent it out to Jerry McNeish for the re-skinjob and skip the painting as the JG states. I have another intake I could ship out. Any experience with this issue? Thanks Dick Gutman

[Rob A.]

Re: Aluminum intake painting

Dick,

With regards to McNeish...I'm sure you would be happy with his work. Regarding painting, I've used Kryon dull aluminum on my thermostat housings. It looks good even right next to the unpainted, aluminum intake, and it appears very durable. I'm not sure you need high temp paint on the intake. I would send it to Jerry, that way you won't have to worry about being dissapointed with it later, after it's installed.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Aluminum intake painting

My '67 aluminum manifold was reskinned by Jerry MacNeish and it's beautiful. I didn't want to paint it but per the Judging Manual it should be painted. I bit the bullet though and painted it the other day. The intake gaskets and seals have to be painted silver too.

I used the high temp manifold paint from Paragon but I peeled off their sticker on the can and the paint is actually from Quanta. Usually Quanta's products are right on the money. I'll have to say it looks good for now. PT

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Aluminum intake painting

I used the VHT cast aluminum paint and then used an IR panel light to cure it. I ama totally happy with the results. It looks just like my restored L-79 intake I had Don Dorfman do for me years ago. Some of these aluminum paints say they need heat to cure, especially the high temp ones. Look for any fine print on the can.