i've sanded the engine bay already now all i need is the paint. My question is what kind of paint should i use. do i use a primer underneath the paint?

 

I used Rustoleum Hammerd Gray. Its almost a black and looks good IMO..

Not high quality though, but it worked for me...

 

Yes, I would prime first, then use a semi-flat black.

 

Try Krylon 1612. that's what everyone sells as the correct paint color

 

I know I can do a good looking job with the off the shelf stuff but I wonder about its durability vs. a professional job? (quality of rustoleum primer [grey, not red] vs. professional, etc)....

So is there an option between off the shelf spray paint and professional paint jobs for engine compartments?

The cost difference between the two is so large that it makes me wonder...

 

Check out the engine bay thred to get some awesome ideas! You will definitely want to prime first IMO.

 

For sure.

My point is that spray paint is 30-50$ and a professional job is what, $1000 if you do all the prep work yourself?

Im curious if there are any $400 options, etc.

 

Prime it first and then use a good Bedliner and give it a nice textured look. There is a description of how its done in the engine bay thread as mentioned above. Looks great and easily 'touched up' afterwards by simply giving it another shot of the Bedliner. Its easy to clean, tough and looks good.

 

"Check out the engine bay thred to get some awesome ideas! You will definitely want to prime first IMO."

I cant find this thread. I searched and all of the results except fora few come up with'n/a' for the number of replies or number of hits.

Anyone have a link? (dont spend a whole lot of time digging, just asking in case someone has it bookmarked)

Thanks.

 

Mine looks like this right now.

No real rust anywhere. Its nice and flakey with bare, non rusty metal showing up in a lot of places. Hasn't been washed or detailed probably since the 80s. (been stored inside all that time though). Just got the car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...Picture063.jpg


PS - Can anyonespot the "new" part?