Lewis7789 2002 Protege5 build thread (tons of pics)

[HKPRO5]

If you go with the engine enamel like the one in the pic, it will be a flat color but it will be smooth. This way it will still be tough against scratches and it would be easier to clean the engine bay. Going with the one in the pic would make it a non porous surface. Unlike going with a regular flat which is kind of grainy.

edit -forgot to add the pic

 

[Sleezer1533]

I used that enamel for my VC, and it came out glossy, I was disappointed cuz it was much glossier than I wanted it to be...

 

[eprx799]

I would advise not going with a black enginge bay. I would go with a white, grey or some other light color . The reason behind that is that its much easier to see if you have something leaking and a lighter color will make it easier to see when working in the engine bay. Just my experience.

 

[Josue6WGN]

^Agree.

Not sure why, but I'm not feeling the satin bay? Even though your car is silver, there's no reason you couldn't go with one uniform color under there that didn't match, like the grey he suggested. You'd be suprised at how many cars come through the shop that have different under hood colors, and they don't look bad.

There's even aerosol cans we have to spot in those under hood colors, I'm sure they could be used to spray the whole bay.

 

[eprx799]

I just used 3 spray cans of rustolium I think it was semi gloss 2-3 coats will make it look great.

 

[justanothermp5]

I dont care what anybody says, spray paint will not hold up under the hood,
I wouldnt use it, but then again I clean my engine bay like every other week. I woud prob rub off the spray paint pretty quick.

Flat isnt my thing, if I was to paint my engine bay a different color, I would prob do a pearl or metallic color lol but to each his own

 

[Lewis7789]

Well, they engine bay is done. I went with a semi-gloss black Rustoleum enamel, like HK posted. I Por-15'ed all the rusty areas first, let it dry. Then masked everything off and painted the bay with 3 cans of spray paint. And I got some truck bed liner for the wheel wells where the splash shields don't protect the metal. I rubberized the hell out of the wheel wells so hopefully that will help keep the rust away. But I'm sure it will show up again.

Just as a reference, here's the before;

And the after;

I'm sure it will look better in the sunlight but my car is still on jack stands. I'm getting my hardware for the coilovers tomorrow. Then at least I can button those up. Now that the engine bay is painted, I can run both harnesses and drop the motor in hopefully this weekend if my "crew" is available. Then plugging in the harnesses and sorting out alllll the electrical bugs.

 

[Sleezer1533]

Very nice dude!

 

[Evan9999]

Dannnng that looks great!!!! I might be able to stop by Saturday.

 

[Circuit]

Looks awesome!

 

[HKPRO5]

=)


Looks good man!

 

[thejeans]

looks better than i thought it would... should make the engine POP in the bay once its in

 

[PrinceValorum]

Looks sweet, I took a quick look at it last night in the dark when I got back. Can't wait to hear this beast roar!

 

[HKPRO5]

How easy was painting, do you think it would be possible with the FS engine installed? =)

 

[Lewis7789]

Thanks, guys. I have to credit my girlfriend to doing the masking though.

I think it's possible with the FS still in the bay. I was lucky and could remove a lot of things so I could get around them better. But I was surprised how well that Rustoleum tip could spray into the nooks and crannies without a lot of overspray. Just take your time masking things off and I'm sure you could pull it off, Cres.

 

[Lewis7789]

Well my buddy Josh (JosueZQ8) stopped by to swap some parts and buff out my headlights. Fellow does good work. And he's looking for sidework in his garage this summer. He's a body shop guy and will be fixing my rust in a couple months when it's finally nice out.

Before; I used the Turtle Wax headlight restore kit that worked pretty well. But not as well as Josh's method.

During; "Say cheese, b****!" haha

After; They are like freaking brand new. I've got some UV sealer/wax left over from the Turtle Wax kit that will clean them up a bit more.

 

[CTt3P5]

Bay looks great Evan and so do the lights! Josh does some good work and if I was closer he'd def. have some side business from me.

 

[Lewis7789]

Jeff, you're more than welcome to come for the weekend and crash at our place if you want to set up something with Josh. But no pressure.

 

[Josue6WGN]

High 5 budday! Thanks for all that you've done for me with this pfizzle venture. Can't wait to fix your cancer!

 

[CTt3P5]

Jeff, you're more than welcome to come for the weekend and crash at our place if you want to set up something with Josh. But no pressure.

Thanks....the damn thing is the 6hr drive and dino juice at/near $4 per gallon. You both could just move closer to me. lol

High 5 budday! Thanks for all that you've done for me with this pfizzle venture. Can't wait to fix your cancer and then drive to PA to help Jeff with his!

Damn dude...that is supah saweet of ya. I'll have the air mattress ready. (evil)