E type ( XK-E ) 1961 - 1975

refinished my finned cam covers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2021 | 11:37 AM
  #1  
racerxf12004's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 122
From: Chino Hills CA
Default refinished my finned cam covers


My aluminum cam covers have seen better days. But no cracks and just need some refinishing.

These are off a 68 that have the raised fins that were machined after they were painted.

After sanding and cleaning all the grooves with household green cleaner and a toothbrush, I wiped all surfaces down with acetone and masked areas with tape that I didn't want paint to adhere to. The sanding and cleaning took 2 hours to do both covers

3 light coats of high temp semi gloss black enamel later.

Let them dry for 24 hours.

I started off with 150 grit sandpaper and worked my way to 600, 2000 & 3000 grit. Always sanding in the same direction-lengthways with the fins.

love the and style and font of this logo...Sand deep on the areas where there are marks and gouges.

wow. love the way this turned out.





This project only cost me $11 for the can of paint.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2021 | 04:06 PM
  #2  
Daytona's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 457
Likes: 67
From: Daytona Beach, FL
Default

Nice job racerxf.
Nicely finished cam covers can mane an engine look really good. Post some photos of the engine once the covers are back on. Post photos of the car too.
Bill.
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2021 | 03:28 PM
  #3  
TX69XKE's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 128
Likes: 49
From: Parker
Default

I really like how good they look. You have inspired me to do the same thing to mine!
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2021 | 12:41 PM
  #4  
racerxf12004's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 122
From: Chino Hills CA
Default

Finally got them installed. Cleaned all the surfaces and wiped them down with acetone. I used paper gaskets with Indian Head shellac adhesive. Ive had problems with them leaking a small amount of oil in the past. See how it goes...



 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2021 | 06:56 AM
  #5  
Daytona's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 457
Likes: 67
From: Daytona Beach, FL
Default

Hi racerxf1,
The cam covers look great and they dress the engine compartment nicely. Now; let's see the rest of the car.
Bill.
 
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2021 | 05:38 PM
  #6  
1vorjagman's Avatar
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 8
From: Newark, Nottinghamshire UK
Default

Originally Posted by racerxf12004

My aluminum cam covers have seen better days. But no cracks and just need some refinishing.

These are off a 68 that have the raised fins that were machined after they were painted.

After sanding and cleaning all the grooves with household green cleaner and a toothbrush, I wiped all surfaces down with acetone and masked areas with tape that I didn't want paint to adhere to. The sanding and cleaning took 2 hours to do both covers

3 light coats of high temp semi gloss black enamel later.

Let them dry for 24 hours.

I started off with 150 grit sandpaper and worked my way to 600, 2000 & 3000 grit. Always sanding in the same direction-lengthways with the fins.

love the and style and font of this logo...Sand deep on the areas where there are marks and gouges.

wow. love the way this turned out.





This project only cost me $11 for the can of paint.
You’ve done a superb job, they look the business, really fabulous and great photos of the various stages of the job. Will you do mi e if I send them over?
 
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2021 | 10:17 AM
  #7  
racerxf12004's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 230
Likes: 122
From: Chino Hills CA
Default

lol. It was actually a simple weekend project. Taking the covers off is quick. Removing all the old gasket material and not gouging the aluminum took some time. Got to remember not to overtighten them when reinstalling them. I probably spent 4 hours total. These covers are so beautiful from the factory its worthwhile to make them look there best. Its the first thing people notice when opening the bonnet.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jaesteban
XJS ( X27 )
9
May 31, 2020 07:51 PM
klrgoten
F-Type ( X152 )
21
Dec 21, 2016 10:30 PM
AussieTimmeh
F-Type ( X152 )
21
Dec 6, 2016 08:44 AM
Wes_R
Detailing / Car care
2
Jan 12, 2014 04:18 PM
Wes_R
Detailing / Car care
3
Sep 6, 2013 05:54 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:14 PM.