While I've got the engine out (for around 3 days or so) I'd like to get the engine bay cleaned up. I'm trying to do it the cheapest way possible, but still look pretty decent. Any suggestions?

I'm thinking I'll wirewheel it. Not sure what to sand it with...

 

Clean it real good, sand it down prime it then paint with satin black engine paint. Use aerosal cans. If you wire wheel it, sand it afterwards, it gives it a smoother look. Use 220 grit.

 

That's how I cleaned up the bottom and firewall of my whole car. Cupped wire wheel on 4 1/2" angle grinder to get the grime and rust off, and then I used engine degreaser to remove the oily residue, and then finally a acetone wipe (wear gloves)before priming. Was quick and easy, but very messy. after my first session, I wore coveralls buttoned up tight, dust mask, hat and a lightweight balaclava (ski mask). I must admit that I haven't done anything to the firewall other than the wire wheel, but I did the whole bottom of the car and then sprayed truck bedliner on it. It came out great.

John B.

 

i used brush on paint stripper then power washed it off and block sanded with those foam sanding blocks for the HW store. ( 150 to 320 grit). SinceI was going for a stock look,I used Krylon 1612 semi-gloss for the re-paint.

 

Krylon is the best!! It took me a while to get mine clean, but a wire wheel, wire brushes, and some green scotch pads will get it nice and clean for some paint.. Make sure you clean everything extra good.. I hit mine up with some brake cleaner to get the extra greasy stuff off.. Make sure to mask what you dont want painted..

 

After you clean everything up, I would spray it down with Eastwood Rust Encapsulator. Then either the Krylon or Eastwood Semi gloss underhood black.

 

The biggest problem I see is that I'm going to have to move all of the wiring out of the way. Tha means unclipping it from the little snap-ons, and I'm sure I'm going to break about half of them.

 

you can buy a package of those wiring clips for your car for $9.00 that will redo the entire engine compt. (pn HK150 from Cal mustang)

 

ha, sweet. Thanks man, didn't know that.

 

I would disconnect the entire engine compartment section of the wiring harness at the firewall and tape up the connections that come through the firewall. Then once you are done reroute everything with the new wiring clips.