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VALVE COVER REFURB: Step-by-step with pics

Discussion in 'XJ DIY How-To Instructions' started by bigfitz52, Dec 6, 2009.

  1. gitbox

    gitbox Member

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    I did a search for "valve cover" and "paint" and got this thread. Great write up.

    Fitz: what did you do to the bolt heads that typically look all corroded and discolored? I'm guessing you refurbished them to?
     
  2. Metal_Bob

    Metal_Bob Active Member

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    Or just buy new from Chacal ;-)
     
  3. schooter

    schooter Active Member

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    I hit my heads of these bolts up with the bench top wire weel to get em smooth, and then hit them up with chrome spray paint, its a real nice bright silver.

    though, this baked on engine paint that yamaha used does NOT want to come off, 3 times with aircraft remove, and still lots on it
     
  4. Brockzila

    Brockzila New Member

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    nice right up and nicely finished product.

    but i would spend 10 min with a sand (if painting)/soda( if polishing) blaster and skip all the scrubbing and boiling.
     
  5. gitbox

    gitbox Member

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    Yeah, schooter, I'm having the same problem. I'm dumping a LOT of time into making this valve cover look pretty and it probably still won't look as nice as Fitz's.
     
  6. Voxboy

    Voxboy Member

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    Great great article. Even after 4 or 5 years it's still relevant.
     
  7. dkavanagh

    dkavanagh Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I just took my cover off, so this is just the inspiration I need while I wait for valve clearance parts from Chacal! Considering the red treatment to better match my bike's scheme. Red between the ribs, flat black and polished ribs and YICS? I think yes!
     
  8. dkavanagh

    dkavanagh Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I just finished mine and thought I'd share. Mine started out painted black, but in need of attention. I forgot to take a picture of the original state. I used some aircraft paint stripper, which was really nasty stuff. That's the worst part of the job, IMHO. Then, I cleaned it in mineral oil, followed by a cleanser and brush.
    Next, I wiped it down with acetone and shot it with flat-black engine paint. I painted the whole thing instead of masking off the ribs. It looked pretty good and considered stopping there, but decided to polish the ribs. I used 220, then 400, then 1500 grit to wet sand the ribs. I spent the most time with the 220 to get the right amount of reveal on the ribs and letters. The rest was just smoothing and I found the sheen after 1500 was perfectly fine for me. I had purchased some buffing wheels and grit, but decided not to risk taking off more paint with that. I masked off the ribs and shot some clear engine paint over that. I think the results aren't much different than what Fitz did.
    IMG_20160703_114211.jpg IMG_20160704_121552.jpg IMG_20160704_132129.jpg IMG_20160704_150356.jpg
     
    Ian Vanore and k-moe like this.
  9. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    Nice job!
     
  10. dowski68

    dowski68 Well-Known Member

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    I am unable to pull up the pics listed throughout your DIY process any ideas?
    They just cam e up my bad slow confuzzier
     
  11. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    it is a nice touch I did it on a cover
     
  12. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Might just be a temporary server issue. The pics are loading for me.
     
  13. dowski68

    dowski68 Well-Known Member

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    Very nice job Sir, when I am done with mine I will upload so you can see that your information on How to's is being utilized.
    The best sort of Flattery
     
  14. Franz

    Franz Well-Known Member

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    Great work Fritz I am going to do the same to my XJ 900f parts.
     
  15. May_J_Aaron

    May_J_Aaron Josh May

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    Did you use a clear coat? I have a can of 2k I haven't punctured yet. I'm about to make a small paint repair after a roommate knocked my fender off a shelf... :(
     
  16. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Fitz hasn't been around as an active member for years.
    What I can tell you is that if he used clear coat he would have mentioned that in the writeup. He's very thorough that way.

    FWIW a good enamel does not benefit from having clear applied over it.
     
  17. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    True, but the 2K is some really good stuff, it won't hurt at all to use it...………..
     
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  18. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Breathing apparatus required though, unless its ISO-Free.

    I only stress that becuse of how many people think that all paint is safe to spray while just wearing a simple filter mask.

    Lungs, human: issued 1 pair. To be used for the duration.
     
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  19. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    True, but the same applies to many spray paints. I always spray with a box fan blowing away from me, and the product to be coated is between me and the fan, so as I'm spraying towards the object (and the fan), most of the overspray is pulled away from my area.
     
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  20. May_J_Aaron

    May_J_Aaron Josh May

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    I use a breathing apparatus every time! I'll definitely be using a fan as well.
    Good to know how thorough he is, but if it isn't needed and the paint will stay strong for years to come since it's a different type, then I'm ok with it! I would have to check to temp rating on the 2k as well, engine may be too hot.
    Mine is looking very ugly and I just happen to have some valve shim maintenance coming up :p
     
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