Under the hood beautification
#1
Tailhappy
Thread Starter
Under the hood beautification
Currently, the underside of my hood looks like this:
Side shot under the hood
Straight on shot under the hood
It looks a bit like a rats nest, and while it's impressive when it's running I do plan on going to a couple car shows, since my father goes to them and it would be a fun thing to do with him. I don't want to have my car sitting there with the hood closed, because people would think I was just bringing a production car to a car show, but I don't want the current mish-mash of colors and such to be sitting there, glaring to the world.
The plastic covers no longer fit in the car due to the turbo and relocated battery and such, so painting those isn't an option. The car is Brilliant Black, with the black/red leather interior - so that's the color theme I'd prefer to have under the hood. Does anybody have any recommendations on what I could do to get the engine bay to look as sharp as the rest of the car?
Side shot under the hood
Straight on shot under the hood
It looks a bit like a rats nest, and while it's impressive when it's running I do plan on going to a couple car shows, since my father goes to them and it would be a fun thing to do with him. I don't want to have my car sitting there with the hood closed, because people would think I was just bringing a production car to a car show, but I don't want the current mish-mash of colors and such to be sitting there, glaring to the world.
The plastic covers no longer fit in the car due to the turbo and relocated battery and such, so painting those isn't an option. The car is Brilliant Black, with the black/red leather interior - so that's the color theme I'd prefer to have under the hood. Does anybody have any recommendations on what I could do to get the engine bay to look as sharp as the rest of the car?
Last edited by ScottyStyles; 03-10-2008 at 05:15 PM.
#4
Powercoat the piping.
I did mine in a glossy black:
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...94&postcount=4
You can coat your turbo, and also coat the engine, the alternator, etc.
I did mine in a glossy black:
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...94&postcount=4
You can coat your turbo, and also coat the engine, the alternator, etc.
#6
Tailhappy
Thread Starter
Thanks for the recommendations... what type of place would do the powder coating, and how much am I looking at to have it done?
Also, what's one of the better (even if its more time consuming) ways to clean the engine bay? I blew the engine, so most parts are coming out... should I just clean everything one at a time as its out, before it goes back in?
SayNoToPistons - what's an example of a dressing I could use for the plastics & hoses?
Finally - Is there a battery cover that I might be able to use from somewhere? The OEM cover probably won't work, it really only covers the top. I really don't like that thing just sticking out like it does... MySql - you mentioned in that post you linked to me that you were going to use a battery cover, what did you go with?
Also, what's one of the better (even if its more time consuming) ways to clean the engine bay? I blew the engine, so most parts are coming out... should I just clean everything one at a time as its out, before it goes back in?
SayNoToPistons - what's an example of a dressing I could use for the plastics & hoses?
Finally - Is there a battery cover that I might be able to use from somewhere? The OEM cover probably won't work, it really only covers the top. I really don't like that thing just sticking out like it does... MySql - you mentioned in that post you linked to me that you were going to use a battery cover, what did you go with?
#8
Also, what's one of the better (even if its more time consuming) ways to clean the engine bay? I blew the engine, so most parts are coming out... should I just clean everything one at a time as its out, before it goes back in?
Finally - Is there a battery cover that I might be able to use from somewhere? The OEM cover probably won't work, it really only covers the top. I really don't like that thing just sticking out like it does... MySql - you mentioned in that post you linked to me that you were going to use a battery cover, what did you go with?
uhh, that's a step backwards, and you misspelled Pettit.
#9
Wheels, not rims!!
iTrader: (8)
Thanks for the recommendations... what type of place would do the powder coating, and how much am I looking at to have it done?
Also, what's one of the better (even if its more time consuming) ways to clean the engine bay? I blew the engine, so most parts are coming out... should I just clean everything one at a time as its out, before it goes back in?
SayNoToPistons - what's an example of a dressing I could use for the plastics & hoses?
Finally - Is there a battery cover that I might be able to use from somewhere? The OEM cover probably won't work, it really only covers the top. I really don't like that thing just sticking out like it does... MySql - you mentioned in that post you linked to me that you were going to use a battery cover, what did you go with?
Also, what's one of the better (even if its more time consuming) ways to clean the engine bay? I blew the engine, so most parts are coming out... should I just clean everything one at a time as its out, before it goes back in?
SayNoToPistons - what's an example of a dressing I could use for the plastics & hoses?
Finally - Is there a battery cover that I might be able to use from somewhere? The OEM cover probably won't work, it really only covers the top. I really don't like that thing just sticking out like it does... MySql - you mentioned in that post you linked to me that you were going to use a battery cover, what did you go with?
http://www.meguiars.com/?detailer-dr...Hyper-Dressing
A gallon will last you a looooooong time. I can probably dress 10 cars with 1/2 a quart of this stuff diluted to different levels. Can be used on tires, moldings, engine bay, etc. I dilute it 4-5 parts water and 1 part solution because i like that brand new matte finish.
Now i sound like a TV ad
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
I suggest hitting up www.autopia.org . Keeping your car clean can go a long way.
Last edited by SayNoToPistons; 03-10-2008 at 09:14 PM.
#10
It looks like you are using the stock battery tray, so I don't know why the cover wouldn't fit.
Pull off the BOV and paint Red
Paint the Sheet metal black.
If the Batt cover doesn't work make one and paint it black.
Pull off the BOV and paint Red
Paint the Sheet metal black.
If the Batt cover doesn't work make one and paint it black.
#11
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Join Date: Mar 2003
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#13
the bukkake master!
i was going to say what razz said, paint the bov red. and also i would lose the yellow oil cap and put something shineyyyy. i got http://www.rotary13b1.com/oil_filler_caps.html on mine and it looks great!
#15
Rotary wanabee
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:::::::uhh, that's a step backwards, and you misspelled Pettit.:::::
I'm a great speller... just a bad typer .... really really bad one! its not my fault... my fingers are big and my keys are small![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
I'm a great speller... just a bad typer .... really really bad one! its not my fault... my fingers are big and my keys are small
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#16
To clean the engine get the car warm but not hot, then cover the stuff that shouldnt get doused with a hose like the alternator, battery terminal and stuff like that. spray the engine with a garden hose with no nozzle. DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER. after everything is rinsed good then spray with some Meguiars super degreaser and let it sit for a little bit. agitate very dirty sections with a brush. then rinse it all off with the open ended hose again. finally dress with meguiars hyperdressing, as per say no to pistons suggestions, or use similar products like meguiars #40, Black Wow, etc.
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