DIY - ENGINE COVER PAINTED - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

sav1 · 09-24-2009, 10:15 PM

Ok, so I was contemplating buying a painted engine cover (RED) from GM, or Doing it myself.. If I bought one. It would cost $380, and WASTE a perfectly good engine cover. Plus, the GM engine cover is really bland looking. So I collected up some info on C5 and decided to do it myself.. So if your wondering about buying one or DIY... and you think this came out ok... go for it.. PAINT.

remove the heat shield from the bottom
Cleaned / Degreased
sanded (NOT chevrolet letters)
CLeaned / Degreased
masked (4 hours - I'm extremely anal)
800 grit Sand
Cleaned / Degreased
Base coat (high heat 500* Duplicolor)
Wiped off "Chevrolet" letters with wet paint thinner LINT FREE towel
Cleaned lettering with wax / degrease remover. (see pic)
Dry (24 hours)
Clean / Degrease
WET sand (1500 Grit)
Clear Coat (high heat 500* - This clear does NOT make it Glossy)
Cleaned / Degreased

WARNING - If you're looking for a Glossy finish, don't use this paint or clear.

Tecca · 09-24-2009, 10:26 PM

Nice write up however I highly suggest to use a adhesion promoter and plastic primer.

Also I wouldn't worry about the high heat paint. Plain jane automotive paint will work with no problems.

It is all about the prep.

BumbleDs · 09-24-2009, 10:45 PM

Oohrah USMC

VenomZ302 · 09-25-2009, 07:29 AM

Thanks for the write up and pictures! I'm looking into doing something similar with my engine cover, but kind of reversed. I'll post pictures if/when I get it done.

vuduman67 · 09-25-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teccboxx

Nice write up however I highly suggest to use a adhesion promoter and plastic primer.

Also I wouldn't worry about the high heat paint. Plain jane automotive paint will work with no problems.

It is all about the prep.

You are 100% correct on the adhesion promoter and primer on bare plastic but the areas he painted are already painted silver from the factory so really it not needed there as long as its sanded.
My bad except for the V8 section

sav1 · 09-25-2009, 11:15 AM

now you guys got my scared about my v8 section.. hope it holds up. if not, I'll just knock off the rest of the red and keep it black. We'll see.

kismyss · 12-02-2009, 12:29 AM

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That was a great write up you inspired me to do the same check this out.

Then i got crazy with the cheez whiz

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UCI CamaroFan · 12-02-2009, 03:27 AM

lookin good guys. I like it.

I may want to try it. But, I'll use glossy paint

garcmol · 12-02-2009, 06:27 AM

$380 for an engine cover OR DIY???? I think I will go this route.

But a quick question. I have a V6 and the engine cover will flex coming off of the engine. Does the Duplicolor Engine Enamel allow for flex?

gwbates3 · 12-07-2009, 09:23 PM

That red looks nice...
It would possibly look nice with some more color on some other areas like the elec cover or air cover...if they are staying...nice job.

I too have heard of the high adhesive plastic Krylon paint on another C5 thread.

sav1 · 12-07-2009, 10:06 PM

Since that paint , I've wet sanded and added 3 more coats of Clear.. it looks 3 times more shinny. Engine cover will flex, and this Dupli color is supposed to be ok for a little flexing.

garcmol · 12-08-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sav1

Since that paint , I've wet sanded and added 3 more coats of Clear.. it looks 3 times more shinny. Engine cover will flex, and this Dupli color is supposed to be ok for a little flexing.

Cool, thanks. I just don't want to paint it, pull it off and have to start over!

chevy 3 · 12-26-2009, 07:18 PM

Idid mine also and thuoght iit came out ok. Name: decepticon motor.jpg
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tightchevelle69 · 01-13-2010, 09:18 AM

very good write up! i painted mine as well a couple weeks ago because i wanted ABM and, of course, gm doesnt make one with that color. i used actual automotive base coat/clear coat from sherwin williams. it matches beautifully! ill post up some pictures this evening when i get home from work.

one piece of advice i can give on this is if you are using base/clear...BE CAREFUL around the oil cap recess. trying to get clear down in there is a little difficult. i ended up with a nice run on the side of the cover next to that area that i had to sand out!

2010 SSRS · 01-13-2010, 09:33 AM

looks awesome, I think I'm going to try and do mine.

purplhaizcraz3 · 01-13-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy 3

Idid mine also and thuoght iit came out ok.Attachment 82647

Did you use a stencil for the "Decepticon"? That looks positively awesome!

RetroDude · 01-13-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garcmol

$380 for an engine cover OR DIY???? I think I will go this route.

Congrats

to anyone who has the time to DIY and make it look GREAT ! I, unfortunately, am not gifted with a steady hand nor the patients to take on a job like this let alone have an eye to accept any of my shotty work when it comes to my baby ... so for me, RPI's painted cover was the best option by far!

For only $295 I reveived a professionally 2-tone painted V8 Engine cover that meets my high standards and still I get to keep my original cover as well. For the pirce RPI charges, I really don't think you can go wrong here since they will pretty much do any colour combinations you could ask for!

1 colour covers ( fuel rails ONLY ) I believe cost around $229 which is a far cry from what GM charges at $400 for the same yet you don't get ABM, IBM or White from GM as RPI will gladly do for you!

Just my 2 cents.

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Here is mine RPI did for me in IBM & Cyber Grey. Frankly, it looks HOT and I know I couldn't of done any better myself!

I believe their site is offering a 10% Off sale on these right now!

http://rpidesigns.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1708

d69chris · 01-13-2010, 10:55 AM

Nice work

C4 · 01-13-2010, 11:45 AM

nice work

chozn4service · 01-13-2010, 12:03 PM

First thing I did to my Camaro. Having done this on my previous car, a Honda Element, I was comfortable in doing this modification. Simple to do with immediate gratification!

I'm going to do something with the fuse box cover next but not sure if it will be painted or CF. I have my Airaid awaiting installation.

Anyway, I would suggest this mod to anyone who wants bling under the hood.

BTW, I'm a new member and slowly finding my way around. This will be my second Camaro that I've owned having had a '82 Z28 and I used to drive my sister's '72 which was like an olive green if not mistaken. I do know it had the split bumpers and it would run. Of course I was an unlicensed driver who couldn't resist the temptation to move the car while washing and waxing it for her. Loved that car!

Camaro5Iowa · 01-13-2010, 01:09 PM

I've already bought the $300 Chevy replacement cover and installed it. To be quite honest, the yellow paint on it is not as nicely done as it could be. I would totally advise everyone to paint their own and not buy the GM one.

SSGator · 01-13-2010, 01:49 PM

I am with Retro on this one. It isn't that much to have a professional do it and it looks much better. Retro, your's is about the only other one out there next to mine that looks AWESOME! Here is a link to my custom painted cover. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39038

tightchevelle69 · 01-13-2010, 05:23 PM

heres a couple pics of my engine cover that i painted a couple weeks ago. [IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/tightextreme03/DS****45.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/tightextreme03/DS****40.jpg[/IMG]

Blue Thunder2SS · 01-13-2010, 06:10 PM

Here is how mine turned out.

camaro104 · 01-13-2010, 07:52 PM

Mine came out cool.....

09-24-2009, 10:15 PM	#1
sav1 Drives: 2009 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 561	DIY - ENGINE COVER PAINTED Ok, so I was contemplating buying a painted engine cover (RED) from GM, or Doing it myself.. If I bought one. It would cost $380, and WASTE a perfectly good engine cover. Plus, the GM engine cover is really bland looking. So I collected up some info on C5 and decided to do it myself.. So if your wondering about buying one or DIY... and you think this came out ok... go for it.. PAINT. remove the heat shield from the bottom Cleaned / Degreased sanded (NOT chevrolet letters) CLeaned / Degreased masked (4 hours - I'm extremely anal) 800 grit Sand Cleaned / Degreased Base coat (high heat 500* Duplicolor) Wiped off "Chevrolet" letters with wet paint thinner LINT FREE towel Cleaned lettering with wax / degrease remover. (see pic) Dry (24 hours) Clean / Degrease WET sand (1500 Grit) Clear Coat (high heat 500* - This clear does NOT make it Glossy) Cleaned / Degreased WARNING - If you're looking for a Glossy finish, don't use this paint or clear. Attached Images

09-24-2009, 10:45 PM	#3
BumbleDs Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS TF Edition Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Des Moines Posts: 629 View My Garage	Oohrah USMC __________________ Love it or hate it, my car can transform and kick your cars @$$!

09-25-2009, 07:29 AM	#4
VenomZ302 Live to Win, Dare to Fail Drives: 2010 Aqua Blue RS/SS M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 1,785 View My Garage	Thanks for the write up and pictures! I'm looking into doing something similar with my engine cover, but kind of reversed. I'll post pictures if/when I get it done. __________________ 3/13/09 - Ordered Aqua Blue Metallic 2SS/RS M6! 7/13/09 - Built! 8/11/09 - Delivered! 2G1FT1EW2A9124579

12-02-2009, 12:29 AM	#7
kismyss Drives: CGM 2SS Roto-Fab CAI, Mach XL CAT Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cypress TX Posts: 252	Inspiration From Camaro5Forum That was a great write up you inspired me to do the same check this out. Then i got crazy with the cheez whiz

12-02-2009, 03:27 AM	#8
UCI CamaroFan Zot! Drives: Toyota 4Runner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 1,333	lookin good guys. I like it. I may want to try it. But, I'll use glossy paint __________________

09-24-2009, 10:26 PM	#2
Tecca Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT SIM/RJT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,258	Nice write up however I highly suggest to use a adhesion promoter and plastic primer. Also I wouldn't worry about the high heat paint. Plain jane automotive paint will work with no problems. It is all about the prep.

09-25-2009, 11:15 AM	#6
sav1 Drives: 2009 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 561	now you guys got my scared about my v8 section.. hope it holds up. if not, I'll just knock off the rest of the red and keep it black. We'll see.

12-02-2009, 06:27 AM	#9
garcmol Drives: 10 1LT SIM; 91 B4C sleeper Z Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ft. Mitchell, Alabama Posts: 7,548	$380 for an engine cover OR DIY???? I think I will go this route. But a quick question. I have a V6 and the engine cover will flex coming off of the engine. Does the Duplicolor Engine Enamel allow for flex? __________________ Pedders Pace Car Package, Injen CAI, Flowmaster AT, AAC Lighting, ZL1 fascia/skirts, RKSport Ram Air hood, vented fenders, painted stripes (Gary's Customz), Honor and Valor badged (Thank you, John)

12-07-2009, 09:23 PM	#10
gwbates3 Ruby & Blu Imp Drives: 2010 LS3 2SSRS M6 & LLT RS A6 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 284	That red looks nice... It would possibly look nice with some more color on some other areas like the elec cover or air cover...if they are staying...nice job. I too have heard of the high adhesive plastic Krylon paint on another C5 thread. __________________ Ruby & Blu Imp 2SSRS M6 - Blown & LLT RS A6

12-07-2009, 10:06 PM	#11
sav1 Drives: 2009 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 561	Since that paint , I've wet sanded and added 3 more coats of Clear.. it looks 3 times more shinny. Engine cover will flex, and this Dupli color is supposed to be ok for a little flexing. __________________ "What Do I Feel When I Kill A Terrorist? A Little Recoil"

12-26-2009, 07:18 PM	#13
chevy 3 NEcamaro5 Drives: cgm 2LT RS 2010 16847 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mass Posts: 3,094 View My Garage	Idid mine also and thuoght iit came out ok.

01-13-2010, 09:18 AM	#14
tightchevelle69 Derrick Drives: 2010 Camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: jax, fl Posts: 512 View My Garage	very good write up! i painted mine as well a couple weeks ago because i wanted ABM and, of course, gm doesnt make one with that color. i used actual automotive base coat/clear coat from sherwin williams. it matches beautifully! ill post up some pictures this evening when i get home from work. one piece of advice i can give on this is if you are using base/clear...BE CAREFUL around the oil cap recess. trying to get clear down in there is a little difficult. i ended up with a nice run on the side of the cover next to that area that i had to sand out! __________________ 2010 ABM 2SS/RS, A6, home Dec 10th, wifes birthday present! 2007 GMC Yukon XL, 2000 S10 Xtreme, 1969 Chevelle

01-13-2010, 09:33 AM	#15
2010 SSRS R.I.P. jesserayjames Drives: 2010 IOM 2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Warwick,RI Posts: 111,876 View My Garage	looks awesome, I think I'm going to try and do mine.

01-13-2010, 10:55 AM	#18
d69chris Florida C5 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Vortech L99 IOM Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tequesta, FL Posts: 2,626 View My Garage	Nice work __________________ Ordered 11/08/08....Del. 08/05/2009 Loving every minute of it! Don't hate me because i'm Pretty....

01-13-2010, 11:45 AM	#19
C4 ERNEST Drives: 2012CAMARO 1LT RS CONVERTIBLE Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Posts: 2,240 View My Garage	nice work

01-13-2010, 12:03 PM	#20
chozn4service Five-O Drives: 2010 RS RJT Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: +34° 55' 19.15", -117° 53' 22.43" Posts: 2,092 View My Garage	First thing I did to my Camaro. Having done this on my previous car, a Honda Element, I was comfortable in doing this modification. Simple to do with immediate gratification! I'm going to do something with the fuse box cover next but not sure if it will be painted or CF. I have my Airaid awaiting installation. Anyway, I would suggest this mod to anyone who wants bling under the hood. BTW, I'm a new member and slowly finding my way around. This will be my second Camaro that I've owned having had a '82 Z28 and I used to drive my sister's '72 which was like an olive green if not mistaken. I do know it had the split bumpers and it would run. Of course I was an unlicensed driver who couldn't resist the temptation to move the car while washing and waxing it for her. Loved that car! Attached Images

01-13-2010, 01:09 PM	#21
Camaro5Iowa Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS, Rally Yellow Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 73	I've already bought the $300 Chevy replacement cover and installed it. To be quite honest, the yellow paint on it is not as nicely done as it could be. I would totally advise everyone to paint their own and not buy the GM one.

01-13-2010, 01:49 PM	#22
SSGator One slick 2010 Black 2SS Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS 6M Join Date: May 2009 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 114	I am with Retro on this one. It isn't that much to have a professional do it and it looks much better. Retro, your's is about the only other one out there next to mine that looks AWESOME! Here is a link to my custom painted cover. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39038 __________________

01-13-2010, 05:23 PM	#23
tightchevelle69 Derrick Drives: 2010 Camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: jax, fl Posts: 512 View My Garage	heres a couple pics of my engine cover that i painted a couple weeks ago. [IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/tightextreme03/DS**45.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/tightextreme03/DS**40.jpg[/IMG] __________________ 2010 ABM 2SS/RS, A6, home Dec 10th, wifes birthday present! 2007 GMC Yukon XL, 2000 S10 Xtreme, 1969 Chevelle

01-13-2010, 06:10 PM	#24
Blue Thunder2SS KYSMYSS Drives: 2010 IBM 2SS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 13 View My Garage	Here is how mine turned out. Attached Images

01-13-2010, 07:52 PM	#25
camaro104 Drives: 2010 CGM Camaro Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Woodland Park, N.J. Posts: 267	Mine came out cool..... Attached Images

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