Powder coat or chrome?

[michaelj]

Folks, getting my cam towers and covers done in powder coat, ruby red. But I would really like to get the covers chrome instead. I was told it is possible, but not adviseable as it will look like shit. Also, someone else said you can polish them up to look almost like chrome. Any comments or ideas on this? The engine bay is glossy dark red, block black, head original. I can add some chrome here and there but the chrome cam tops/covers would give it the shizzle.

Anyone gone chrome? I saw that kick ass engine bay here with the blue towers and chrome covers. Looks like someone has done it.

Mike

[4uall]

you could always try this method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1PEJv9_0_c

[azruss]

The issue with polished aluminum parts under the hood is maintenance. Bare aluminum doesnt take kindly to finger prints, oils, grease and dirt. It scratches easily with just the slightest touch and will oxidize. I would recommend clear coating with a catalyzed urethane. You can also clear anodize.

[RRoller123]

How do you clear anodize? Can that be done at home?

[fiat218]

I had chrome covers on my 72
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=30

[azruss]

anodizing is actually a plating process and far more caustic the brewing a batch of meth in your bathtub. My subaru maniac IT guy tells me that PORS has a clearcoat that the subaru guys have been brushing on with good results.

[RRoller123]

That's what I figured. I think I would go with the powder coat. A buddy of mine has a setup at his shop so the cost for me would be quite low. I am not sure just how shiny you can get powder coat, but you can certainly can get a nice assortment of colors, and I bet the "aluminum" PC look would be pretty good.

[bradartigue]

Powder coating is extremely shiny, almost like wet paint. I had some Alfa air boxes, the old SPICA boxes if you've ever seen them are enormous and have lots of cool curves and pipes. I had them done in a battleship kind of gray and they looked awesome, super reflective.

Not sure the result on aluminum cam box covers, but I'm sure they'll look similar.

[Ptoneill]

I powder coated my covers, bolts , plug brackets, etc. just make sure you sand off imperfections prior to coating, if you can feel the bump it will show.

Here are some pictures





Good luck!

Sorry I never get the sizing right, they are viewable on the photo bucket link below

[fiat218]

That looks really nice

[RRoller123]

Fantastic, and strong too. The way to go.