I have a 1984 Firebird that is creme-beige in color. I know... a different color than most, but I want to keep it original, so I had it repainted the original shade.

I am going to want to repaint the engine bay when I drop in the 350. I am debating on which color scheme to go with and would like some opinions. The two options I have are:

1. Repaint the bay the original creme-beige color. This is ok, but since I don't have access to a spray gun, I'd have to get a number of cans of spray touch-up paint to do this. This is a more expensive route and the touch-up color is being discontinued in the spray cans. I need to move fast to stock up if I go this route.

2. Repaint the bay in black, either flat or gloss. The paint is readily available and won't be discontinued in the future, making future touch-ups easy and less expensive. Not sure how this will look on a beige car.... just can't visualize it. It would make the bay darker and possibly harder to see/work in.

Ok, if it was yours, which way would you go? Would the black look bad with this color combo? AND- If I go with the black, which would you choose... gloss or flat black?

Thanks for any opinions/observations.
Brad

 

I personaly prefer body color in the engine bay. But, flat black looks good, easier to match when making repairs too.

Did you see this other thread? has some good photos in it.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=281692

 

I'd go with semi-gloss black...that's what I did on my Camaro.

Pay no attention to the nasty radiator in this pic.....it's got a factory electric fan setup with a shroud now.

 

I agree. The black looks good. You have me convinced to do mine now. The engine bay is empty while I paint the motor and sort the electrical.

 

Mine is done in satin black

 

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate your comments. Where did you guys turn up the satin black paint at? I've seen gloss and flat, but not the satin/semi-gloss stuff.

 

I used the good Rustoleum paint from Wal-Mart. It holds up really good. It comes in satin or semi-gloss too.

Matt

 

That is what I used for my pulleys also. That stuff doesn't come off once it is on.

 

i like both the black and the body color. but the only thing about the is that it makes the engine bay look plain in my opinion. with the body color it gives everything a little seperation. but the black does hide a bunch of stuff and give the engine more attention.

 

Eastwood has "chassis black" and "underhood black" paint. I used the chassis black for my engine compartment and it turned out nice.