Engine Compartment Color

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Old 07-24-2011 | 11:41 AM
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67 GTX's Avatar
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Engine Compartment Color

Now I know that in the 60's and 70's (and way before that), lacquer was used to paint the cars.

But the current oil paints phased out the lacquer.
So, knowing that Mopar painted the engine compartment the same color as the body, the engine compartment would be the same color and shade as the body color of the car.

Now, does lacquer require a clear coat?

With the oil based paints, I have seen some cars repainted and the engine compartment was not clear coated.

If you were to try and recreate what Mopar had with the lacquer, would you have to clear coat the engine compartment when using the oil based paints?
Old 08-03-2011 | 08:24 AM
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Hmm, my post is a little confusing.

Bascially, if you wanted a car to look stock, should the engine compartment be clear-coated?
Old 08-03-2011 | 09:41 PM
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Matt -

Unless you're talking about a full show queen, tool dings, heat, fuel and other fluid spills in the engine bat might make the clear look worse in a hurry.

I know it's done all the time, but I've seen enough daily drivers have the clear coat chip and peel.But then, I'm personally not a fan of clear coating at all. (Yes, I like lacquer.)

If you can find a close enough match, I'd just use an epoxy engine enamel. (One advantage of having a black car!)

Archer
Old 08-05-2011 | 04:48 PM
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isnt't the clear more durable than the paint? since it is applied heavily?
Old 08-05-2011 | 07:45 PM
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Basically, you are right. The engine bay should match the car. But......The engine bay was only given a cursory spray of color. Nowhere NEAR the thickness of the paint on the exterior. Yes, it could shine since it was a lacquer. But it was thin as ****. Maybe to duplicate, one thin coat of color, and then the clear. Maybe extra clear for durability, but not for color enhancement.
Old 08-05-2011 | 07:55 PM
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Matt -

Whether is more durable or not isn't the issue, it's another non-matching layer that will have to be dealt with when something happens.

Assume you have a solid color with no clear in the engine bay. You scratch or scuff it. A little sanding and a touch up / respray and you're done.

With a clear coat, not so easy. Sure it can be done, it's done all the time, just not worth it, in a working engine bay, IMHO.

If you never plan on damaging the engine bay paint / finish, please disregard the above,

Archer
Old 08-06-2011 | 03:42 PM
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Thanks guys!
You seemed to cover everything that I was wondering.
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