Tips for painting Mopar Commando Crinkle Small Block Valve Covers
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Dustin C. writes:
From what I have found, the best way to repaint the crinkle small block Commando style valve covers is to...
1. Remove all existing paint. Sand or strip to bare metal.
2. Remove any oil that is stuck on the inside. (Trust me on this one. This is an important step.)
3. Use an metal etch so that the metal will accept paint.
4. Find a can or two of black crinkle spray paint.
5. Tape off any areas on the cover that you do not want painted like the aluminum fins.
6. Preheat your household oven to 300 degrees.
7. Apply 2 or 3 thin coats of paint. (The directions on the can tell you to apply 3 thick coats is 20 minute intervals. This did not work for me, even in the Texas sun. Note, too, if you apply too much paint on the cover the paint will run during the oven baking process.)
8. Place the crinkle valve cover in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes, or until all paint is crinkled.
(If you skipped step number 2 your house will be spelling like burning used oil now!)
Follow the1965 Plymouth Barracuda "Hellfish" restoration progress via Dustin's The Hell Fish Web Site.
Thanks, Dustin!
Gary H.
May 15, 2001; October 8, 2004
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