Aluminium Paint

[88S1]

Few of the aluminium bits on the car I’d like to paint to freshen up / give extra layer of protection, diff, gearbox tunnel etc. Any particular brand anyone has had good results / history with?

Thanks.

[magpies]

I've used engine high temp paint on the engine and gearbox - did take some time to degrease and rotary wire brush to give a reasonable surface.

Used smoothrite gold on the diff

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[88S1]

Thanks, got some HT hammerite. Will give that a shot.

[Mutley00]

Are you using Hammerite or Smoothrite Jon?

Just a personal opinion, but I've always thought that Hammerite looks crap/cheap 'n' cheerful on a car and belongs on railings and garden furniture.

[TVRees]

Talking about .....

Mutley00 said:

....cheap 'n' cheerful on a car

I used some high temp spray on silver paint from Tesco, on offer it was about 2 quid per can. Worked a treat.

[88S1]

TVRees said:

I used some high temp spray on silver paint from Tesco, on offer it was about 2 quid per can. Worked a treat.

I have high temp silver, Autotek, which from the forums it’s supposed to be good stuff, painted the manifolds with that. But I’m concerned that this only reaches full hardness when it gets heated, and something like the diff or gearbox tunnel probably won’t get that hot, so don’t want it flaking off.

[magpies]

88S1 said:

I have high temp silver, Autotek, which from the forums it’s supposed to be good stuff, painted the manifolds with that. But I’m concerned that this only reaches full hardness when it gets heated, and something like the diff or gearbox tunnel probably won’t get that hot, so don’t want it flaking off.

That is the paint I used on my engine and gearbox -- photo on my previous post. Goes on a treat,

[phillpot]

Engine gets a bit hot around the exhaust ports but diff & gearbox don't need high temperature paint.

[LLantrisant]

alu parts are the last ones i would paint...as they are made of alu...give it a good clean by a steam/pressure washer or soda blasting and thats it.

[88S1]

LLantrisant said:

alu parts are the last ones i would paint...as they are made of alu...give it a good clean by a steam/pressure washer or soda blasting and thats it.

Do you not think it’s a good idea to paint them to stop them from dusting/chalking? I thought the paint would give an extra layer of protection.

[LLantrisant]

the paint may flake off soon....and alu naturally "corrodes" on fresh air, leaving a grey oxide-layer on top. if its chalking there are chemicals involved...typicall for hose-connections of the cooling circuit.

watching my 40 year old alfa romeo (giulia/spider/gt) 105 engine...the block looks still nice...the "typical" alu-look without looking old or aged.

[88S1]

My diff looked pretty poor when removed, but cleaned up well after a bit of spit and polish (wire brush and drill). If there’s no good reason to paint it I’ll leave au naturel and do same for other bits. Might as well spoil the neighbours peace and quiet for a bit longer.

[magpies]

That's cleaned nicely - I would give it a coat or two of paint