Engine Compartment Paint

[motard]

What is a good brand of engine compartment spray paint? Black semi-gloss or satin in quarts?  Something that will last for many, many, years without crazing or cracking

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Engine compartment, or engine itself?
For things like the inner fenders I just used Rustoleum engine enamel in satin black. Did that about 10 years ago and it still looks good.  Easy and cheap.

[motard]

I have used Rustoleum in the past and I am looking for something a little better. More of a professional quality paint. 

[motard]

I already have engine paint. I am looking for something for the engine compartment panels and firewall.

[Clewisiii]

Years ago for 61 we had a debate about this. There are components that were semi gloss and components that were high gloss. In attempting to match original gloss level we realized that modern semi gloss was to flat in comparison.

So we determined

VHT Gloss Chassis Roll Bar paint for original Semi Gloss ( Very Expensive Today)
Rust oleum Gloss Engine Enamel for original High Gloss

I did that for a while when I was working part to part. Then I said to heck with it and had everything powder coated either semi gloss or high gloss.

[dn010]

I use Eastwood single stage Urethane paints for stuff like this and the body. I like how durable urethane is, at least in my opinion. I have been using it for years and won't change unless something better comes along.

[Clewisiii]

Are you sure your firewall should be painted black and not body color.

Not sure what version you have.

[Michael Petti]

Was at a car show last night with several Cadillacs.  Firewalls were body color. All else wss semi gloss or satin.

[Michael Petti]

Semi gloss or satin black is what I meant.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

My 50 and 59 are their respective body color on the firewall.

[motard]

I have looked at at least 50 1974 Eldorado engine compartments on the internet and they all have black firewalls and engine compartment panels.

[dn010]

My answer is still single stage urethane no matter what color you pick.

[tcom2027]

I use Eastwood single stage Urethane paints for stuff like this and the body. I like how durable urethane is, at least in my opinion. I have been using it for years and won't change unless something better comes along.

I agree. I've been using  Eastwood underhood and chassis black in rattle cans and quarts for years. The semigloss underhood black is very forgiving, goes on smoothly and levels nicely. It matches the GM underhood black perfectly, same for matching GMs' gloss black when used on chassis components.   

The gloss urethane enamel goes on equally well and is durable.

Or you could use the PPG paint system. But that requires a real commitment to get professional results.

Wurth paints are is also an excellent choice.

tony

[chelonian]

Hi Doug, after a thorough cleaning i used Rustoleum 2X satin black, not regular Rustoleum. I did it in a 70 Monte carlo back in 2014 and it still looks great. I had a brake fluid leak that ate some paint last year, so i wiped it down with laquer thinner and just gave it a couple puffs of the 2X again. Pretty painless and looks great.