DeTomaso Mailing List: April 99, Message #264

I can confirm that cleaning up the engine compartment is one big job.  It
really looks nice when done and new, but not so sure I would do it again if
I purchased another car.  The upkeep is substantial.  I would guess that it
is at least a couple hundred hours in evening/weekend labor to clean it up,
weld/grind the seams, strip the old paint, knock out dents, etc in order to
get it ready for paint.  My car is red and I painted the compartment gloss
black.  Used polyurethane paint to make it more resistant to brake fluid,
oil, gas, etc.  
I had been contemplating lately that if I were to get another car and was
going to redo the engine compartment I would want to go with something
closer to stock.  I was thinking of some of those spray on truck lining
materials (such as Rhino) might work out well.  There are other brands and
appliers beside Rhino that have slightly smoother (still a little wrinkled)
finishes but are more resistant to contaminants.  Would closely approximate
original finish but be much more durable.  Would also be almost impervious
to being chipped by that dropped wrench, air cleaner, can of beer.  Might
also provide an added benefit of providing some sound deadening as well.   

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Melton, Charles P [SMTP:charles.p.melton@lmco.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, April 07, 1999 10:23 AM
> To:	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject:	Survey - Engine Bay Painting
> 
> My opinion ?  Why I am glad you asked !
> I've been taking photos of Panteras for a while now, and naturally the 
> engine bay is "critical"...If the car is mostly stock, then stock is ok,
> but
> makes it hard to see.  If the engine and area is "cleaned up", then that
> is another story.  Also, to smooth out the seems and welds is NOT  a
> simple (or cheap) task.  Have you added the stainless firewall ? 
> Gas tank shield ?  relocated (hidden) wiring ?
> 
> If the paint is a lighter color, this does help show off the engine bay.
> Dark blue or black ?  makes it hard to see and enjoy or photo.
> 
> My car is red, but I am too cheap to pay ($4K) to have the bay detailed.
> So stock it stays...not really stock...it's been "redone", but looks
> "fair".
> I'd stay away from the black-with-white-splatter paint.  It can look good,
> but...I've seen some horrible jobs...
> 
> SO...Body color if a light color.  Not satin black, unless car is black,
> and you want to clean it all the time.  You could 24K gold plate it !
> 
> CM
> ----------
> > What are your recommendations for painting the engine bay?
> > 
> > A. Body Color
> > B. Undercoating
> > C. Satin Black
> > D. Trunk Splatter Paint
> > E. Other?
> > 
> > Thanks.
> >