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Engine Bay question! What color to paint?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 69clark
  • Start date Start date Feb 13, 2006

69clark

Founding Member
Sep 25, 2002
731
7
18
Ravena, NY
Feb 13, 2006
#1
  • Feb 13, 2006
  • #1
As you guys know I am building a new engine for the cobra. I have done a lot of wire hiding in the past but now that the motor is out I am going all the way with it. Everthing I don't need is gone or going to be gone and the rest will be hid as best as possible.

My question is, should I paint the engine bay white or should I do a satin black. Now before you guys go nuts here is the deal. I orignally thought that black would look cheap a white would be the only way to go but then I saw this page on stangnet: http://www.stangnet.com/Tech-Articles/MAC-Stainless-Mustang-Dress-Up.html

The black actually looked good. I think that if I go black it will help make the engine stand out (which is what I am after, along with removing all the smog and emissions junk) and help hide the wires (that have to be there) and all the unsitely holes that are all over the bay from the factory. Basically I think that the black with clean the look up as well as make everything (not engine) sort of be camoed in rather than stand out against the white. Let me know what you guys would go with.

Pic of unfinished engine bay

Click to enlarge!


Mocked up engine
 

SWYZ721

Member
Aug 24, 2004
208
0
16
Ann Arbor, MI
Feb 13, 2006
#2
  • Feb 13, 2006
  • #2
I would paint it black, maybe with some sort of protective coating as well.
 

91LX_5L

Founding Member
May 13, 2002
1,943
0
36
British Columbia
Feb 13, 2006
#3
  • Feb 13, 2006
  • #3
Black would deff help it keep clean but it might also look like your car was black and cheaped out when it got painted white. Hard decision its a tossup, that black does look pretty sharp and with that intake it would prob look good.

What valve covers are those btw?
 

Blackened302

Active Member
Jul 21, 2005
1,439
0
36
South TX
Feb 13, 2006
#4
  • Feb 13, 2006
  • #4
the black bay looks cleeeaaan! plus, as you said, it definately helps the engine stand out visually.
 

95riosnake

Member
Dec 21, 2003
630
0
17
Pittsburgh, PA
Feb 13, 2006
#5
  • Feb 13, 2006
  • #5
I vote white cuz if I saw a white car with a black engine bay I would immediately assume it used to be black.
 

SeventyMach1

Keep it lubed .... keep it straight .... and keep
Mar 30, 2005
1,940
3
36
North Carolina
Feb 14, 2006
#6
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #6
"I see a red door and I want it painted _______". The Rolling Stones even said it. Fill in the blank.
 

69clark

Founding Member
Sep 25, 2002
731
7
18
Ravena, NY
Feb 14, 2006
#7
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #7
White?






















Kidding, I love the Stones.
 

MysteryMachine

Active Member
Jun 21, 2003
1,835
2
39
Parkesburg, PA
Feb 14, 2006
#8
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #8
Bondo up all the holes then paint it orange like the front of the car
 

Gibbo97

Founding Member
Apr 20, 2001
92
0
7
Macon, GA
Feb 14, 2006
#9
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #9
+1 on MM recommendation- make sure you clearcoat it as well for that extra pop.
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Feb 14, 2006
#10
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #10
I'd carry the flame-ish theme over to the engine bay, just an inch or two. Under that, of course, white.

To me, anything else looks like you didn't tie everything together Just MHO.
 

Black95GTS

Active Member
Jan 8, 2004
1,644
3
38
Marlborough, MA
Feb 14, 2006
#11
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #11
I'm also going with white on this one. It will be much more of a pain, but its obvious you haven't skimped on details with the car up until this point, so why start now?

Adam
 

Killercanary

The car that set the bar.
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,676
1
76
Altoona, PA
Feb 14, 2006
#12
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #12
mansonozz said:
I'd carry the flame-ish theme over to the engine bay, just an inch or two. Under that, of course, white.

To me, anything else looks like you didn't tie everything together Just MHO.
Click to expand...


I agree. I also agree that painting it black would look to me like you skimped out when you changed the color of your car and assume it used to be black. I hate it when I see nicely done cars and they pop their hood to see that. If you want to set your car apart, I don't think you have any other choice than to carry over the flames and leave the rest white. That would look increadible, and its that kind of attention to detail that scores BIG at shows.
 

69clark

Founding Member
Sep 25, 2002
731
7
18
Ravena, NY
Feb 14, 2006
#13
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #13
I here you guys on painting the flames inside the engine bay but that is probably out of the question. I don't have the money, plus I would have to trailer the car an hour away to my body guy. Also it is snowing and salt on the road so I would only be willing to use an enclosed trailer. Just not really doable for me I guess. The last issue, I don't have the money. I am sick of being broke. i am looking for a do it yourself deal.

Lets get some more opinions in hear, you guys have to talk me into either white or black by the weekend.

Thanks Guys
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Feb 14, 2006
#14
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #14
If that's the way you want to go, this is what I'd do in your situation:

Do it in white on your own, and then bring it to have the flames done when weather/money allowed.
 

69clark

Founding Member
Sep 25, 2002
731
7
18
Ravena, NY
Feb 14, 2006
#15
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #15
True. Good point!
 

mricci

Member
Aug 17, 2003
301
0
17
Massachusetts
Feb 14, 2006
#16
  • Feb 14, 2006
  • #16
I would do White for now, then add the flames when you have the time/money. That would look great.
 
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