[chassell]

The time has come to start putting the new long block 400 back together for my 71 Lemans convertible. I have the original valley pan from the 350 and would like to reuse it. It has some minor surface rust on the bottom. Can I clean it up and paint it? If so, what kind of paint would anyone recommend since it will be on the bottom of the valley pan. Thanks.

[Lloyd-TX]

WARNING:

Do NOT media blast - sand, glass or plastic - ANYTHING. You'll never get it all out from between the upper and lower pans and it WILL ruin your engine.

If necessary, lightly scuff with scotch-brite and spray with WD-40 or the like. It' constantly bathed with engine oil so further rust will not be an issue.

[Thunderburk]

Originally Posted by Lloyd-TX

WARNING:

Do NOT media blast - sand, glass or plastic - ANYTHING. You'll never get it all out from between the upper and lower pans and it WILL ruin your engine.

If necessary, lightly scuff with scotch-brite and spray with WD-40 or the like. It' constantly bathed with engine oil so further rust will not be an issue.

Good Point.
I have found the only way to really clean one of these is to drill out all the welds and separate the two pieces. This is the ONLY way to thoroughly get all of the blast media out. We use a spot weld removal bit. It takes a little time but when you see what gathers inside you will be glad you separated the two.
When welding the two parts back, alternate from side to side so as not to warp the metal.
I HIGHLY recommend this, especially on one that has been setting on an engine that has not been running for a while.