Engine cover polishing madness

[sidewayz]

OK I will say right at the start this is probably a crap idea but just in case anyone has tried it before I would be interested in any learns. I am planning a major engine detailing session for the winter-new hoses on order,metal polish for the shiny bits on order, done my homework on methods and materials.
As part of the project I am thinking of having the engine cover polished - nut's idea no doubt and there are probably better solution to clean up the look of the engine but that's what I would like to try.
I am thinking of getting a spare cover from a breaker and getting that polished up by a local machining and finishing firm and then having the centre cover powder coated black.
Any thoughts on degree of madness or tips on method gladly received.

Edited by sidewayz on Sunday 2nd August 09:39

[thainy77]

Steve let me know how you get on because i want to do the exact same thing.

[sidewayz]

Will do Jon! How's the 4.3 going?

[TVR_owner]

I'm fairly sure you wont get the desired effect - crap alloy.

[Biggriff]

Im looking at a carbon fibre cover to go over the cam cover. I will see if I can get a cam cover to take a mould from.

[GreenV8S]

Biggriff said:

Im looking at a carbon fibre cover to go over the cam cover. I will see if I can get a cam cover to take a mould from.

That seems like solving the problem the hard way. Surely it would be far easier to get the cast cover polished to a smooth surface and then buffed up?

[Turbo100]

Like this ?

[Barry Ashcroft]

You want to see Graham's Sag he has polished the block and front cover it looks the dogs danglies.

[GreenV8S]

Turbo100 said:

Like this ?

I do.

How do you stop it from corroding - have you used some sort of lacquer, or just polish it regularly?

[Biggriff]

I have looked at it and for most people they want a good high tech finish with minimal care. Combined with a matching carbon insert they would look the business.

[the jollyrodger]

hi,im also planning to do almost the same thing,take a look at the yellow tamora's engine which has just been sold on pistonheads,now if i could get mine like that,i'd be very happy.

[sidewayz]

Turbo100 that is exactly what I am after. Looks fabulous.
Did you hit any problems getting the finish?

Steve

[Turbo100]

It was a relatively simple operation. Took the engine cover to the local chroming shop and had them polish it. They couldn't polish in the ridges, so this was just hand polished, leaving a "cast" look, whereas the top etc is machine polished and really shines, you don't really notice the difference as a creates a sort of shadow effect. It cost about $100.00, so not really an expensive job.The cam cover I just had painted the same colour as the car. Living in Australia we don't really have to worry too much about corrosion, however I have still lacquered it, and considering that I had this done in 2002, it has certainly passed the test of time. On the question of corrosion though, the heat from the exhausts combined with summer temperatures that are usually in the 35 - 40degrees C range has certainly played havoc with the powder coating on the chassis, so much so that I have recently had the exhausts ceramic coated, added extra heat shields and the chassis repainted. Going on, I see that everyone wants the TVR wheel logo stickers, go to any sign shop,with a logo on a disk and they will knock them out in vinyl in about two seconds. I think they charged me $50 for 50, and they did them in Black on White, Purple and white on black (as per the standard TVR logo)

[sidewayz]

Fantastic.Thank you so much for the feedback!

[Biggriff]

I have just had this made up, hope you like it.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z279/BigGriff20...

[Targarama]

Biggriff said:

I have just had this made up, hope you like it.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z279/BigGriff20...

So light it floats!

[Biggriff]

And you dont need any silicon as it has a neoprene seal attached.

[Geoff Ashcroft]

Like it a lot - how much and where from?

[Biggriff]

They are £190 (inc VAT and P&P). I am arranging for a batch to be made up. If you want a particular colour in the script then let me know, otherwise they are brushed alumnium look.

They are fully pre-preg autoclaved carbon fibre and come with a ll the fittings and gaskets.

PM me if you are interested.

Richard

[Targarama]

Biggriff said:

They are £190 (inc VAT and P&P). I am arranging for a batch to be made up. If you want a particular colour in the script then let me know, otherwise they are brushed alumnium look.

They are fully pre-preg autoclaved carbon fibre and come with a ll the fittings and gaskets.

PM me if you are interested.

Richard

I had one on my old T350, I can vouch for the quality and fit. They look great and get rid of the need for the nasty sealent.