Hello. My 57 Cadillac series 62 Sedan's valve covers paint is just peeling away and soon gone all together. I don't have a lot of money to spend on this car at the moment so I can't take them to a shop to get professionally painted. Has anyone ever used a spray paint that is close to the blue Cadillac engine paint for 1957. Any ideas
Thanks
-Gavin
Hello Gavin,
I used on my Caddy powder coat (only the valve cover and the air filter)
If you would like to spray it (only with engine paint) the most important issue is DO NOT USE primer only the paint. The primer and the paind has different expansion (maybe this is the correct word). In this case the paint won't be too long life.
Before all sandblast it at first.
Get a can of Bill Hirsch Cadillac Blue. Remove the covers from the car, sand or strip them, make sure the screw holes are flat (to avoid leaks). Use a good primer then the Cad blue. New gaskets and you're ready to go.
Once you do the valve covers, the rest of the engine will look out of place. It is a very evil process...
Walter is right for the better finish.
However a small can of Bill Hirsch cad blue and a small paint sponge on a stick will allow you to paint in place, cover everything else. That paint is thick and will hide a lot of strokes. The remainder will last a long time as well.
Mike
For small touch up, the can is good. I was referring to the spray cans. If the covers aren't leaking and you don't want to remove the covers, it's a viable option.
The gaskets are really old so I will be pulling them anyways.
Then you may as well go all the way and spray them. If they're leaking, the bolt holes may be warped. If you do the touchup now and change your mind later, it's more paint and another gasket set...
Is there a cure for warped bolt holes?
Mike
You have to hammer them flat. Put a piece of wood or flat metal on the bottom surface of the cover. Using a piece of wood, tap the top area with a hammer to flatten the hole area. Shims in a vise could work, too.