Drive Train Paint

[rdsar2k]

I know the scheme of colors but I was thinking that the drive train would be difficult to clean if it was semi gloss. What is everyone using for paint? Does adding hardener make the engine and tranny easier to clean? I am at the point of re-assembly after machining and cleaning all of my drive train components and don't want to paint with the wrong stuff.

[ocwd]

I am just about at the same point that you are. I intended on using the same mix of Gillespie paint for every part on my Jeep. 2 parts paint to 1 part Xylene. I plan on using my Jeep off road for the most part so I am guessing that there will be many scrtatches and chips in the paint over time. If you are worried about the durability of the paint, don't go all the way down to bare metal. The original paint will provide a durable base to paint over.

Paint seems to be a hot topic both here and on G503. Everyone mixes it different and some use hardener and some don't. I have herd that hardener makes the paint brittle and chip more easily. I am sure some one will post to the contrary.

Either way, prep the surface well. For greasey oily parts such as the drive shafts, you could use engine degreaser or carb cleaner to get all of the goobers off. The beauty about the carb cleaner is that is evaporates and the surface is ready to paint, assuming all of the grease is cleaned off. Acetone also works well when cleaning light oil and grease off. If you go down to bare metal, use a phosphoric acid to prep the surface and use a very good primer. An expensive etching primer might be the trick for under body parts that will be taking a fair amount of abuse.

Dave

[Ryan_Miller]

Hey,

Using a good epoxy primer designed for rust inhibition is a good way to prevent further problems. I would use it inside and out. The inside areas have lots of places to catch water and debris.

Going to bare metal is not a problem, either way you need to use a good primer.

Without hardener, paint will be soft for a long, long time and is less durable to scratching and scuffing. Too much hardener can make paint brittle, so just measure out the paint per manufacturer's instructions.

That is the biggest problem with people applying paint. People do not read or follow the manufacturer recomendations and they mix it up wrong. Temperatures vary too, so there are different thinners to use and it should be mixed at a different viscosity (thicker or thinner) for hot vs cold weather to help reduce runs and sags.

It is not rocket science, just follow the directions.

[GIJOE290]

Not to hijack, but what color should the drivetrain be (axles, driveshafts, and e-brake)? All OD I'm guessing?

Thanks in advance.

[Ryan_Miller]

Prior to 1961, 2430 OD.

On drive trains it has been noted on "as found jeeps" that the shade of 2430 on the drive train appears to be a little lighter in color than the body, etc.

Small parts - generator, starter, distributor were black.

The axles, frame and engine/tranny were assembled and then painted prior to the rest of the assembly.

[GIJOE290]

Thanks Ryan!