Painting an Explorer Intake

[Colascstang]

What is the best way to paint an explorer intake so it will last? And no I do not have the cash for powdercoating or I would do so believe me!

[vinnietbird]

It's all in the prep work.Smooth it down and get rid of the molding lines and texture.I used 120 grit 5 inch discs on my drill and used a continuous movement,never holding the disc in one place too long,until the whole thing was smooth.Granted,I polished mine,but you still want a smooth surface to paint.After that,I'd use a good self etching primer and then whatever color you plan on using.

[bigpitbull2]

Check out my build thread... I have several pics of the process as well as the materials I used..

http://forums.corral.net/forums/show....php?t=1124908

[sd_fox_racer]

here ya go
http://forums.corral.net/forums/show....php?t=1145741

[86GT2go]

Epoxy.

[Colascstang]

When you guys sanded your intakes what process did you use? What I mean is did you go from 120 grit to x grit to x grit, ect. I have used 120 grit to smooth it down and get all the rough stuff off I just need to polish it up some, enough so I can paint it and it look smooth and show no sanding marks.

Thanks!

[sd_fox_racer]

i didnt use sand paper because it would remove the pitting from the sand casting which is something i like, im not into that smooth finish too much....so i just used some degreser and a scotch brite green pad to scuff it up

[Colascstang]

I've taken off 99% of the rough casting on it I just need to sand in the cracks and such. Question how smooth do I need to get it to primer and paint it? Does have some sanding marks but that is because I used 120 grit to sand so far.

[mstngman28@yahoo.com]

Before


After (crappy cell phone pic)


Just painted the intake tonight...washed it off with hot water and dish soap and then lightly sanded it and wiped it down after sanding and then painted it

[Colascstang]

I'm starting to wish I had done what most have done and just cleaned it and painted it.

[mstngman28@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by Colascstang

I'm starting to wish I had done what most have done and just cleaned it and painted it.

LoL That is what I do with most of the stuff that I have to repaint...although I usually buy good looking used parts anyways and all I have to do it paint them and not put a bunch of work into them

[mustangboy]

Powdercoating is not that expensive

[Colascstang]

Well I think I am stuck now as I have already sanded 99% of the upper. Just need to smooth out the sanding marks and a few nooks. If I had known it would be this much work Id have cleaned her up and painted it as is.