1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

[James C.]

I accidently backed over my original air cleaner (yes that was stupid!!) and I purchased a used one that needs repainting. What type/brand of paint and primer have folks used to replicate the original finish the best.Thanks! Jim

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

Jim,

My 71 LS5 air cleaner needed TLC I cleaned it, simple green or something like it. I then sanded it with a 220 and used a sandable primer. Use a dark color. I have seen some where they grey primer is used and any small chip will stand out. Sand to a smooth finish and painted it with a semi-flat lacuer, buffed it with 400 paper and coated it again. I then used a white polishing compound and rubbed it out. It looks like the day it was new. As always the prep and a little patience and it will come out to your satisfaction. Good Luck.

I will attach a picture of the outcome, you can judge if the finish is what you are looking for. You can control the shine somewhat with how much you polish it out. Good Luck.

Ken

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

I accidently backed over my original air cleaner (yes that was stupid!!) and I purchased a used one that needs repainting. What type/brand of paint and primer have folks used to replicate the original finish the best.Thanks! Jim

Jim,
You need to decide, and then tell us, if your intention is to have the car judged or to just satisfy yourself.

If you intend to have the car judged you should know that Chevrolet used no primer under the paint. Quick and dirty was the name of the game.

[James C.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

I intend to have the car judged. The used air cleaner did not have any primer now that you mentioned it. It just had some surface rust. I will make sure that I don't use any primer. The "quick and dirty" I can handle. Thanks for the help. Jim

[Don L.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

Thanks for raising this issue, Jim.

Not to hijack this thread, but what is the proper gloss level for a car that is to be judged? A particular paint's brand/part number would be appreciated, as I too have this project on my "to do" list.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

Hi Don,
I used good old Krylon #1613, and kept the paint to a minimum.
As Terry posted there was very little paint on my original. The outer vertical surface and the top of the snorkels had the most paint. The bottom, inside, bottom and inside of the snorkels had VERY little. I think the slightly oily environment is the only thing that kept the inside from rusting.
Regards,
Alan

[Gary S.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

Hi Don,
I used good old Krylon #1613, and kept the paint to a minimum.
...

One problem - Krylon 1613 has gone the way of the dodo. I have tried various paints without success. I don't have a stash of 1613 so does anyone have a currently stocked paint that is as close as 1613?

[John H.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

One problem - Krylon 1613 has gone the way of the dodo. I have tried various paints without success. I don't have a stash of 1613 so does anyone have a currently stocked paint that is as close as 1613?

Gary -

If the good old #1613 semi-flat we're used to is what you're after (seems a bit on the flat side for an air cleaner), it's still available, but only through the Sherwin-Williams industrial (not retail) channels.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/prod/30137856/i/1/productInfo.web?a=30137856&c=B37856

[Lou C.]

Re: 1971 454 Air Cleaner Paint

Gary -

If the good old #1613 semi-flat we're used to is what you're after (seems a bit on the flat side for an air cleaner), it's still available, but only through the Sherwin-Williams industrial (not retail) channels.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/...37856&c=B37856

Gary, I agree with John, air cleaner base should be gloss black.
Lou