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Triumph TR6 - Engine Bay Paint

Hi guys

Sorry to be on the TR6 list when I am working on a Stag, but this seems to be the best place to get decent advice, and I believe that by 1973 Stag production was on the TR6 line, so it is sort of relevant...

I am trying to tidy up my engine bay paint - most of the original paint it is in great shape, but in a few areas the paint has chipped or been scratched, brake fluid has dripped on it, etc. I have the engine out and most of the pipes etc. removed, so this really is the time to sort it out. I know that the most thorough approach would be to sand all of the old paint off and start from scratch with bare metal, but I just don't think it is warranted, not to mention the fact that my garage time is limited and that would be a full year's work!

I bought an aerosol mixed up in the correct colour, and my plan was to clean things up, sand where the old paint was flaking, put a bit of primer down and spray with the aerosol. Feather a bit onto the old paint to disguise the almost inevitable colour difference. Job done. Looking at what needs to be done, I suspect that one aerosol won't do it, so I was about to order another when I noticed that I could buy a pint of ready mixed paint and a few Preval sprayers for not a lot more. I need to paint the bonnet anyway, so I reckon a pint (or maybe a quart? Seems like a lot) would do it all. Not ideal, I know, but I am looking for a decent finish, not show winning shine. The car is brown, and I suspect that in years to come I will want to change the colour - then I might splash out on a professional job.

So, I guess the question is, what sort of primer/paint should I be looking for? Can I use a modern water based paint over the old paint (is it enamel?) Is my plan hopelessly flawed? What sort of shelf life does this kind of paint have? Do I need to get everything ready for paint at the same time or can I go at my usual leisurely pace? Any other advice?

Thanks in advance and sorry again for bothering you with non-TR6 questions!
Cheers
Alistair
A Hewitt

I bought primer from where I bought my spray bombs
DON KELLY

Alistair,

You could use modern base coat-clear coat but usually you will have slight shade variation and clearcoat shows a more modern plastic finish. The best approximation of finish texture is synthetic enamel over an acrylic primer. You need a hardener to do a more lasting job, but it is not the most durable avenue( 5 years). I forgot, have you paint scan prior to paint preparation to have the right color. Avoid any lacquer type primer as it will yield to same results than brake fluid.

Cheers,

Jean G.
J. G. Catford

Thanks for that Jean. I had a look at the car last night and there are a few panels that I would like to "freshen up" - basically sort out some scratches and chips. This means that I really need something that will blend in as I just don't have the time, space, money or inclination to do a full respray! From what you said, synthetic enamel and acrylic primer would therefore be my best choice. I am looking at this site:

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/auto_paint.asp

They say that they can mix the colour in acrylic enamel, which I hope is the same as synthetic enamel (?) but they also say that the best primer for this would be acrylic laquer primer, which you say is to be avoided... Oh dear. Is that just because it would not stand up to any leaking brake fluid? If that is the case then I could just go to Silicone brake fluid - I am replacing all the brake hydraulics anyway.

If there is a better source of paint then please point me in the right direction! I know I can get paint mixed at NAPA or any number of paint supply places, but I feel like they are just going to sell me whatever they have, rather than the right paint for this job.

Thanks again
Alistair
A Hewitt

Hello Alistair,

The best thing is to check is some hidden area with solvent used to verify if it does not lift paint. I noticed with old enamel some lacquer type solvent lift up paint. Depending of status of old finish results could vary. I experienced with a MGB, which had some unknown paint-cleacoat, after sanding I applied a lacquer type primer-surfacer and it was a mess.
Results: a lot of sanding...

Cheers,

Jean G.
J. G. Catford

This thread was discussed between 26/01/2010 and 29/01/2010

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