Hey guys. I have a bit of a problem that someone may have figured out, or has some helpful advice.

My engine bay is filthy. The previous owner attempted to change the color to black, and well it’s utterly horrible what they have done. Thankfully, I got the car for a steal. There are gobs of rattle can paint just layered upon layer. Rust isn't really a problem, fortunately, just the paint and general filth of caked on dirt, grease, and grime. The grease and grime I can take car of with general cleaners, brushes and elbow grease. The paint, however, is another story.

The intricate little folds, bends, and crevices of all of the sheet metal in the corners make it a real pain in the behind to clean and stripe these areas. So far, I have decided that everything needs to come out of the engine bay, absolutely everything. That was a major step considering I really would have liked to have just pulled the engine. Now I am supposing I will have to pull body panel and all graphics, everything off the front of the car, in order to get it going clean like new.

From this, my only straight-forward question is if anyone came up with a solution for getting into all the corners, et cetera. My not so straight forward inquiry is whether or not any one has just done this at all. I personally think it is extreme, but I cringe every time I see a gob of dirt up underneath something that I didn't find earlier. If someone has done this, do you have any advice or items you would have improved on?

I never thought about taking one of my cars to a show, but I suppose after this, I might actually have a good base to start building on, eh?

Sorry for this somewhat useless post, but I just couldn't resist. :lala:

 

On a related note, I like Gunk brand SC (super concentrate) reduced some in a spray bottle. I'm also liking the Zep 50 we have at work.

You should do everything you can with power tools to knock the work out quicker. With the right touch, you can DA around all sorts of bends, because sanding down a body "line" in a firewall isn't critical like it is on a door. In the end, I would vote against chemical paint stripper, and just go with proper sanding.

 

EZ Off oven cleaner will take it all off. Including paint. Spray it on liberally and let it do the work. Then rinse thoroughly with some good pressure. Don't let the oven cleaner dry on there, and don't try to rinse it off too early. I have found only EZ Off brand to work well. And only the original, not low fumes or lemon scent. Also try not to breathe the fumes or get it on your skin. It can burn if you're not use to stuff like that.

 

The only problem with sand paper is that it gets clogged so easily by the spray paint they put on, that was the first thing I tried. Wet sanding sucks because it still gets clogged, but makes even more of a mess!

I know sometimes I get too concerned with details in the engine bay, but then I look at a picture of another car and its spotless.

A real ugly area I am trying to fix is the seam on the top of the fenderwell where the upper strut mounts sit. That piece of sheet metal that that lays over top of the fender is ugly as hell. I would have like to have welded it rather than some kind of bondo or plastic filler, but then it could get real knarly looking if it warps. Some thin stuff there...

There are some other corners, specifically right up against the firewall where the fender meets, that the seam-seal is rather atrocious. I haven't really figured out what to do here either. Maybe just add more but detail it smooth as it sets? I am thinking that this area bends and flexes as well, despite my sub frame connectors and strut tower brace.

 

I don't have any tips to help you as I'm just going to strip the bay myself and have the paint prep and spray work done professionally.

Here are my progress pics:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=262638

 

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I redid the engine compartment on a guys 87 Iroc, turned out pretty good. Took a lot of scrubbing and sanding. I did it in Flat Black becasue the car is going to be Gloss Black and i wanted contrast.

Before:

After: