Wrinkle Finish: Valve Covers

[fest]

I just got back my Valve Covers from the Powder Coaters
and I must say they came out EXCELLENT

I can highly recommend using this process
to apply Black Wrinkle Finish to these parts

the only gripe I have is that the adhesive on the 'Masking' Tape
(actually Aluminum tape)
melted and got all kinds of yukky on the bare surfaces
(this is my fault, however, as I insisted on masking off the parts myself
and I must have bought the wrong Tape!?!?!)

I had approached this aspect of the restoration with much trepidation
as the Valve Covers are rather important, especially visually
as that is the very first thing you notice when the Hood is popped.....

I was thinking about Wrinkle Finish Paint
but a guy I work with had recently applied some to the Primary Case
on his Harley (dont ask)
and I did not like the way it sagged in places-
he told me it was really tough to apply it evenly on
compound curves (which the Valve Covers have aplenty)

so I decided to go with my local Powder Coater
who has done some great work for me in the past
(although his shop admittedly looks like a disaster area)

I like the fact that Powder Coating is more durable than Paint-
more resistant to chipping, peeling, heat, etc
which is important, as the paint used on them at some time in the past
did not fare very well in the (admittedly brutal) underhood environment at all

I am very pleased with the results
the wrinkles are very even and consistent over the entire surfaces-
I guess only time will tell how they stand up!

[Tom Wilson]

How about a photo?

[SLM]

Fest,
Powercoat wrinkle is the ONLY way to go. Nice Job ! Eastwood sells the heat proof tape for your next project. I also did my exhaust heat shields at the same time. But I agree you always should tape it yourself.

regards,
Steve

[tyang]

Hi Guys,

I'm beginning to think you two are right since my spray on wrinkle has chipped off in places. Maybe I'll send them out when I put enough mileage on my car to re-torque the heads.

Tom

[fest]

as per request:

some pics of the 'finished product'

1) In 'situ' - inspiring, aint it

http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/411e4d53 ... BBqoekW2jY

2) Detail - looks pretty good;
I am going to have a local Machine Shop 'Fly Cut' the Ferrari Logos

http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/411e4d53 ... BB.cFUxY7M

sorry about links and not pics BTW; earthlink slow as $hit 2 nite

[Jimmyr]

For those who do not have access to a powder coating shop in their city, the ability to diy is still applicable. Heat is the main item to a good wrinkle finish, as is a clean surface. If the old wrinkle is not too bad, possibly just an over spray is all that is needed. Many of the better wrinkle spray cans such as VHT and others are locally available. Degrease, clean and dry prior to application. If the old finish is chemically or blasted off, again degrease and dry well. Next pre heat the covers either in the bright sun ( Arizona etc.) or in the wifes oven or heat lamp. It must be evenly hot to the touch, the warmer the better. Tape the unpainted areas with a good heat resistant tape, and apply several thick coats of the wrinkle paint. Caution not to get runs. Then the most important step, continue to heat evenlly either in the hot sun or an oven. Heat lamps are an iffy source of heat, as even heating is difficult, as are heat guns. Let dry in the heat for a few hours, clean the mounting surfaces where the acorn nuts will be located to bare metal to insure good leak proof and secure surfaces. Note for concourse, the Ferrari logo is always in wrinkle finish, not bare metal. Jim Riff