bead blasting and powder coating

[1781cc]

OK peeps, so whats the best way of getting an engine part shiny, super clean and pretty much back to new? and also, what's everyones general experience of powder coating?

My reasons for asking are that I when I get the B3 back (with the 1.8T engine running properly) I am thinking of powder coating the inlet manifold and a few other items to dress the engine bay.

With regards to bead blasting, my experience of cleaning the inlet manifold on the Diesel Dog got me wondering if maybe bead blasting the thing is the way forward to getting it back to new levels of cleanliness and then concentrating on trying to mod that car.

Figured its a topic worth discussing and educating myself on - any recommended providers in/near Northampton area?

thanks

[Tonks4x4]

I prefer soda blasting as the blast media dissolves in water so won't get sucked into the engine.
I think there has been a few folks with damaged engines due to blast media being left behind

[Monkeymagic]

A friend of mine had the cam cover and inlemaifold on is VR6 rado done. It looked great hen developed hairline cracks after a couple of undred dry miles.
Im not sure whether it was heat damage or a poor job.

On the block you cant beat good old fashioned brushable hammerite. I have tried all the heat proof enamels etc and never liked the finish. I did the block on my mk2 golf and it still looks shiny. It doesn't do any wet weather use but withstands the heat and oils etc very well.

[here2learn]

look at ceramic coating on intake will have the look with a purpose also.

From what i have been told only two people in the uk do it and one is not very good can find out if needed

[Acidburn]

I prefer soda blasting as the blast media dissolves in water so won't get sucked into the engine.
I think there has been a few folks with damaged engines due to blast media being left behind

Sonics car is the one that come to mind, ruined the engine and cost quite a bit.

Jsw3 was doing his engine bay with soda today and it was going well when I left earlier.

[1781cc]

Good feedback so far guys, soda sounds like the way forward as I really feel that short of a new one, you cant really clean the intake manifold up to scratch - I busted my balls on mine yesterday and I am sure it could be a helluva lot cleaner.

looking locally, these guys seem to offer the service, anyone had the pleasure? http://baileysblasting.co.uk/service...g-northampton/

As for the powder coat, I saw that Will had his calipers powder coated, and I previously had a red powder applied to a JDM VTEC cover for my BB1 prelude, but it was a messy job by a company in Bletchley, so put me off. I was considering getting the intake powder coated in a VTEC red for the B3 - might rethink that and get it soda blasted instead based on feedback

[Acidburn]

Have a word with jsw3/john on here mate, he's got all the equipment at aidens currently. See if you can work something out with him so he gets something back for the outlay of the equipment. It was looking good earlier when I was helping him with his blasting of his bay.

[1781cc]

cheers pete will drop him a line - good to know he is up local as well.

when are you up next mate?

[Acidburn]

tomorrow morning mate

[1781cc]

drop me a text when you are up there - wanna talk to you about a few things! drive safe mate

[Acidburn]

ok will do mate, be around 11.

[John B]

JP does this kind of thing but he'll probably kill me for saying it! He cleaned my RS2 IM and it looks great

Kind of like this......http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58489

Cheers

JB

[RustyNut]

So does soda blasting re-create the 'brand new OEM' look?

[JP]

I use aqua blasting to return to as new. But yes you spend as much cleaning it out afterwards chemically as you do blasting to enaure it is mint. Especially on cyl heads. The aquablasting gives a crisper sheen than soda blasting hence using it as a suoerfinishing technique.
As for engine enamels only one that lasts is por15 but the key to application is to stipple it on with a brush in several goes which gives it a factory satin finish.
Powder coating rocker covers and intakes I've had mine done and they started to bubble from the heat from the engine so am having to redo them at a later date. Have had once painted in 2pack in the past too and with meticulous prep some have survived but most eventually lifted.
Hth.

[Alistair E]

I've got a strut off the car at the moment and was considering having it blasted and then painted. Does anyone know roughly how much the blasting will cost per strut?

Also, how should I paint it? Hammerite, POR15 or powder coat? Looking for something that will inhibit the rust and will last.

Grateful for any advice.

Alistair