Repainting engine?

[e_sloan]

My 82 XJ 550 is in pretty good running order but the engine has been badly neglected over the years by the previous owner. The aluminum side cover have what appear to be stains of some cleaner on them which I haven't been able to polish out and the original black painted engine has very little black left.

Just wondering what steps and which products I should use when repainting the engine black.

Also does anyone know any ways to get the shine back in the aluminum pieces that will not be painted?

[John]

Are you planning on removing the engine to do this, or leave it in the frame? I just painted mine with VHT Engine paint, and baked the finish on in an oven, but then it was totally disassembled. On the covers, try a fine sandpaper, or steel wool, or some rubbing compound. That worked well on mine. After the rubbing compound, I used polishing compound, and I used them on a buffing pad on an electric hand drill, but again, they were off the engine. If you do get the oxidation/stains out try a product called Rub n' Buff . Look in the Product Evaluation forum for a post titled "Dressing up Aluminum Parts" . I am using it on my brite work and it looks/works great. See my post in the Members Forum titled" And The Journey Begins" I am documenting my Big Bore Kit installation there. I describe how I prepped my engine for the paint work.