[Fullback66]

In the process of cleaning up my engine from years of gunk on it. The Tri-power and intake are finished, now I need to start on the block. I am NOT going to take it all apart or pull it. I just want to get it looking a little better. I have a feeling the engine is going to be pulled in the future to fix a few gaskets that are leaking. That is in another post.

Questions:

What is the best way to clean it up?

What product works best? Safest?

Do I need to wash it with soap before painting?

The engine is staying in the car.

Thanks
FB66

[GT182]

While you have it out to do the rear main seal clean and paint it. You can do a far better job of cleaning and painting that way.

I'm not saying you can't do it in the car, but out is best for a better and easier job of it... to get all of it clean and painted. Other guys will say the same thing. And yes mine was cleaned and painted with it out.

[Fullback66]

thanks, GT

[Rugratman]

Spray Nine.
I swear by it. Cheap too.

Let it soak.
.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Spray-Ni...6832/204766608

[Chief of the 60's]

Gunk and a power washer. If it were still running you could have taken it to a do-it-yourself car wash and use their pressure wand. I've done that for years. Keeps your driveway clean.

[Greg Reid]

You really can't do much painting without at least pulling the accessories, belts, fan and fan shroud off. Carb and distributor too if it were me.

[Greg Reid]

You get the idea... Don't have to go this far but the more you move away from the engine, the better...

[mcmurb]

What paint are you going to use? I did my 67 using POR 15 engine paint. It required a dosing of "metal prep" solvent before i painted. Other brands may require different prep, but i would think a degreaser at a minimum.

[Fullback66]

mcmurb,
I would paint it with a rattle can spray paint (Dupli-color). Pontiac Blue Metallic

Did you spray it, or brush the paint? DOes POR15 make a Pontiac Blue Metallic?

FB66

[mcmurb]

i used one of the POR 15 engine painting "kits" that they sell. it includes degreaser, metal prep spray, black base coat and then the colored top coat. It is brushed on, but they say you can thin it and shoot it if you prefer.

My only complaint is that after the block heated up, the blue turned more green then i would prefer. Nonetheless, there is not a bubble or scratch anywhere on the paint so it seems to hold up to punishment very well. if it gets dirty, i just hose it off from the top and it looks great again.

I used the kit for the 67, i think its called blue metallic.

[GT182]

Pontiac Blue Metallic is what you need to ask for. Just saying Blue Metallic could get you anything but the Pontiac blue you really want. Even Pontiac Blue Metallic can be different depending who it's made by. Get several cans of one brand if you go with using the spay can.