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09-28-2019, 02:56 PM | #1 |
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Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Last one I did, I used Chevrolet Argent Silver, but it came out too silver looking! Go figure....photo attached.
Anyone suggest a rattle can to closely emulate the original polished aluminum finish? |
09-28-2019, 07:16 PM | #2 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
John, if you want a stock aluminum looking finish, check out the silver that the Harley Davidson Dealer sells. when its dry it looks like fresh glass beaded aluminum.
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09-28-2019, 07:50 PM | #3 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Clarify - are you trying to paint aluminum heads or are you painting cast iron heads to look like aluminum?
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 |
09-28-2019, 07:51 PM | #4 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Will do, I will be experimenting with a few brands. . I did a search, and many restorers recommended the Eastwood Aluma Blast, so I ordered a couple of cans to try out.
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09-28-2019, 07:52 PM | #5 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Painting stock 33 34 aluminum heads, not the cast iron ones.
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09-28-2019, 07:54 PM | #6 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
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Don't understand....Why can't you just clean up the aluminum heads?
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 |
09-28-2019, 08:52 PM | #7 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
IMG_6816.JPG
Eastwood aluma blast gets my vote. These original heads on a car I am restoring have been painted in such Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
09-28-2019, 10:00 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Quote:
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09-28-2019, 11:52 PM | #9 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
My unpainted aluminum heads. A little Simple Green and some clean cloths....
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 |
09-29-2019, 08:31 AM | #10 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Will try that too, just never been very good at it.
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09-29-2019, 08:51 AM | #11 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Painting aluminum heads defeats the advantage of their being made of aluminum, namely superior heat dissipation.
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09-29-2019, 02:35 PM | #12 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Like you Dave, I never understood why anyone would paint aluminum heads. Defeats the purpose of better heat dissipation almost as much as highly polishing aluminum heads.
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09-29-2019, 02:51 PM | #13 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
I’ve seen zero heating issues out of a car with painted heads vs not. Powder coating... sure... spray paint no (think about the radiator). Actually this way of thinking is opposite of what dart machinery , C&R radiators, and radian electronic components have stated regarding heat dissipation in aluminum
It’s the same as guys who prefer to paint pieces that were originally bare. I only like it better than bare as it holds up well to finger prints etc. Reskining aluminum is the best for cast pieces, but I am too cheap. Last edited by 35fordtn; 09-29-2019 at 04:26 PM. |
09-29-2019, 07:24 PM | #14 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
There is a guy close to me that polishes just about anything. Works on a lot of old stoves. Reasonable prices. Maybe someone close to you?
Or a light bead blast. Walnuts or something? I just assume that my engine will look "dirty" or not perfect every yr I drive it. . Last edited by Tinker; 09-29-2019 at 09:15 PM. |
09-30-2019, 09:26 AM | #15 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
See if there is a vapor blasting service in your area, that's the best way to restore the original finish, in both looks and 'feel'. I do parts for people all over the country, but recommend that you use someone local to save the shipping, although aluminum heads aren't too costly to ship. Once blasted, an anti-corrosion coating like ACF-50 will keep them nice and easy to keep clean.
http://www.houstonvaporblasting.com Last edited by countrysquire; 09-30-2019 at 09:34 AM. |
09-30-2019, 03:25 PM | #16 | |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Quote:
Phil NZ |
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09-30-2019, 04:36 PM | #17 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Michael,
You would likely not know this, but back in 1932, Ford's instructions for painting radiators was to use thin paint and only paint the front of the core and the top of the tank. The reason cited in the instruction was to minimize the loss of heat dissipation. |
09-30-2019, 04:54 PM | #18 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Regardless, the original poster got some great suggestions and varying opinions. Cleaning works great, vapor honing and reskinning being the best options, and lastly paint (original posters question) all work and look well. I can guarantee a light mist of paint fogged on some flathead cylinder heads will pose zero threat to the cooling of the engine
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09-30-2019, 08:41 PM | #19 |
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Re: Best “paint” for aluminum heads?
Doing this for light cosmetic purposes only, not gonna take the heads off, although all those suggestions to take them off and make it right are totally viable. I will test the simple green and the Eastwood product and try to remember to report back.
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