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Painting the firewall
As everyone knows, our firewall are 3 pieces of aluminum. I want to paint mine. I’m getting differing techniques from my body shop owner friend and his guys and from the Ppg paint store. Even Ppg website has 2 different methods.
So, you guys that have done it, and it’s been a few years and it hasn’t peeled, how did you prep ain’t paint your firewall aluminum? Please start from as-delivered.
Thank you!
'33 Hot Rod
Ordered: 3/25/17. Delivered: 5/6/17. 1st start: 8/24/18
MK4 Roadster
Ordered: 7/10/13. Delivered: 8/20/13. Completed: 10/26/15.
I did everything except spray it. She ain't perfect, but she's mine.
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Some of the keys to getting paint to stick are first a clean surface and second some form of mechanical bite for the paint to adhere to. Use some kind of base, like a 2K epoxy, designed for direct to metal application. In your case something that is designed for DTM for aluminum. With more aluminum being used in production vehicles, finding a good 2K epoxy to do the job should not be difficult. Apply your color topcoat within the recoat window of the epoxy so that you don't have to scuff it. Always reference the material data sheets on the product used, saves a lot of headaches later.
For steel, a DA sander and 80 grit provides the mechanical bite for the paint to adhere. On the aluminum for my MK4, I used burgundy color Scotch Brite, cleaned, and applied Shark Hide. I liked the aluminum color just needed a sealer and protectant over it.
MK4 base kit, 2004 Mach 1 donor, 4.6L DOHC, TR-3650 5-speed, narrowed stock axle with 3.55 gears and TruTrac, PS, PB, ABS, 17" Halibrand replica wheels, started 12/2011, registered 9/2014, sold 3/1/2018.
1970 Mustang Fastback Coyote powered Boss 302 tribute. Started 10/14/16.
Gen 3 Coupe Base Kit non-donor build. Ordered 4/5/2024 to be received August 2024.
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Senior Member
Well first of all I decided to do a brushed aluminum finish. Used emery cloth, a clear on top of that which a few people said would never last..... Had to pull the engine and mucked up the firewall so decided to paint it to match the frame. Used SprayMax 2K hot rod satin black Eastwood also sells the same product, works and matches well. For prep, I'm pretty sure I used 240 with the grain, long strokes. Lacquer thinner to clean and then the 2K. So far so good....
Steve
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 2 Likes
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'33 Hot Rod
Ordered: 3/25/17. Delivered: 5/6/17. 1st start: 8/24/18
MK4 Roadster
Ordered: 7/10/13. Delivered: 8/20/13. Completed: 10/26/15.
I did everything except spray it. She ain't perfect, but she's mine.