Clear coat engine and components

[Steve D.]

Do you guys clear coat things like valve covers,firewall brackets etc. How about alternator,a/c and power steeering brackets? I know they were dipped so I doubt they recieved any additional protection.
Also if you do use clearcoat, would you use the satin to keep the correct finish on semi-gloss pieces?

[Domenic T.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Only if you want them to look good for a LONG time.

DOM

[Edward J.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Steve, the factory doesn't use clear on anything, but as Dom says it help preserve the look and helps with rust. if the car is judged there maybe a small deduct, If the judges catches it. and Satin is the only way to go.

[Alan S.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Hi Steve,
You mention "correct finish on semi-gloss pieces".
I don't see much advantage to using clear on painted parts; but do see an advantage to using a minimal amount of clear on parts that left St. Louis natural, in order to help control rust. For instance half-shafts.
Regards,
Alan

[Bruce B.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Years ago on my 62 I bead blasted the valve covers and sprayed them using an catalyzed clearcoat. They still look great and clean easily.
I also used clear on my 57. I cleared the cast iron front suspension parts and the rear center section because I wanted to see the inspection marks.

[Duane D.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Steve, I coat my bare metal parts with hand-rubbed tung oil. It is easy to apply, prevents rust and looks natural. It's great for fasteners, clamps, etc.

Duane Dunlap

[Rich C.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Steve, I coat my bare metal parts with hand-rubbed tung oil. It is easy to apply, prevents rust and looks natural. It's great for fasteners, clamps, etc.

Duane Dunlap

I've never heard of that one! How does it hold up to underhood heat? When I turn off my '73 454, I could heat the house!

[Michael G.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Natural steel components can be clear-coated with flat, they look better than if done with satin.

[Duane D.]

Re: Clear coat engine and components

Rich, Tung oil works well for suspension components and various fasteners even in the engine bay, but not for very hot areas like exhaust manifolds. You can dull the finish with a fine piece of steel wool. I also used it to coat bare drive shafts. Duane