This project is a result of having a new digital camera and too much free time! Never had all three cam covers together before either so made a good photo opportunity. Was losing some late afternoon light here, but can still see the difference by showing all three in each picture.
Left: Polished. Represents about 35 hours of work! Has been boxed for about 3 years, and prior to storage, put some polish on it to hinder oxidation. Polish dulled my fine green rouge polishing stage, but seems a better trade-off for storage.
Middle: Something RSpeed stuck on a used motor for shipment. This is the one I will be working on.
Right: Chromed. No idea who did the chrome work since it was a gift. Wish I knew so I could suggest them to others. It is the best chromed cover I have seen after viewing several others.
Hope
RSpeed pulled this one out of a dumpster somewhere, as can’t figure a Miata
owner driving around with something this disgusting!
Two Brillo
soap pads later have it degreased and a little smoother. Could have used two more Brillo pads for a
little better job, but don’t have any plans to use this cam cover. If planning to use this cover again, would
have used a file to remove all the casting flash around the edges. Actually, it looks much better then the
digital camera shows.
Here
it was sprayed with a thin coat of aluminum spray paint. If I were to paint it, would use at least 3
layers of paint and reduced between coats with fine steel wool. This will fill in a lot of little pocks and
pores for an excellent looking finish.
After
the first layer of aluminum paint dried, I reduced with some fine steel wool,
then sprayed it with a medium layer of Duplicolor Chrome Enamel paint. Would not use this on a cam cover because
those chrome paints are very fragile.
If you rub on it or splash coolant on it, it will dull the finish. Look but don’t touch is OK.
Lost
all the sunlight, but here is a different angle. Dog was supervising the project and was truly impressed!
Set
them out this morning for a quick view in direct sunlight. Time to get moving on the engine swap!
Cheap aluminum paint would be my choice for painting a cam cover. It is inexpensive and very easy. Can wash the cover without changing the shine, and touch up any little nicks with a brush. Can even put a chrome oil filler cap on there without looking goofy!