when should I paint my block and heads, before or after assembly?
 

I'm thinking that there'll be less damage to the engine paint if I wait till it's assembled, but gaskets, etc might get in the way. Also the question about bolt heads tearing up the paint and leaving bare metal spaces for rust to start if the heads are painted before bolting them on.

Painting after assembly will provide paint coverage of the gaskets and sealants that may squish out of the joints. I had painted dmy timing cover and water pump prior to installing but ended up going back and painting after assembly to cover the gasket surfaces.
Doug

I prefer to paint mine separately and then assemble - i don't like the look of painted gaskets. Plus it allows me to bake the intake and exhaust manifolds which helps with paint burn-off. Lots of extra work but worth it if you are anal like I am.

I paint 'em before I assemble them,then I go back after assembly and touch up any unsightly areas as needed.

I have some cradboard templates I made for covering the big open areas that I dont want any paint on (gasket surfaces mostly),this greatly simplifies the process..

Then when it's assembled,I trim any gasket ooze or such and do the touch up work.

:2cents:

Bret P.

I prefer to paint after so it doesnt tear up the paint on the bolts and I like my gaskets painted.

I like to do it after assembly. It's just easier but hey do what you want.

I paint the engine bolts seperately myself,I use a very thin coat of paint on them before assembly,and then I put another thicker coat on them when I touch-up the rest of the engine paint after assembly.

Sometimes certain bolts can be a PITA to get covered evenly when the engine is all assembled.

IMO it's easier to just touch them up than to paint them on the engine.

:2cents:

BP.

I paint after assembly, that's how the factory did it.

I paint before assembly and touch up afterward. Main reason I started painting prior to assembly is I am pretty messy when assembling engines and paint is going to come off any spots that have residue - even a hand print. Then like Bret does, I go back and detail clean and spray any small spots after the engine is together.

2X what Jerry H said.

For a "correct" look (restoration), paint entire assembly. For a good "attention to detail" look, paint sub-assemblies. We use a clear paint on bolts and other non-painted areas to prevent rust and oxidation (aluminum).

Jim

I paint before assembly because I only use stainless bolts on the motor.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/DSC02094.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/DSC02057.jpg
]http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/DSC02048.jpg

Wow, now that is pretty!

Whats that giant spring on the alternator for?

That is part of my alternator relocation bracket. It keeps the alternator way down out of the way. I built that thing a while back when I upgraded to a 140 amp alternator. The bracket is actually mounted to the frame of the car and the spring acts as a tensioner. I have reved it past 6000 rpms and it still stays tight. I can pull the spring loose in about 10 seconds with a mid sized screwdriver and put it back on just as quickly.

WOW those valve covers look great painted up that way! Very vintage cool look!

The paint never blistered on those heads?

Nope. The paint on them has never even dulled. Now on the hedders, I can't keep even a high temp paint like POR20 on them for even a few minutes but the heads stay beautiful.

I painted everything before I bolted it together.

Reason is, I like contrast. First I painted all the parts that needed painting, then I bolted the whole thing together with stainless steel bolts and washers.
I like looking at all the details, but that's personal I guess.

I noticed that Doug1 has 2 sending units (I presume they are sending units) on the water cross over of the intake manifold. Why 2? is one for temperature before the thermostat opens and one after? a check to see if the thermostat opens on time?
Or is it something else?

I will post pics soon of my engine compartment.

Likely one is for the gauge,and the other one controls the electric fan(s).

:2cents:

BP.