What's the best way to make this look better? Many thanks

[t-tony]

ummm i dont want to state the obvious but surely the best option here is to remove it and replace the whole engine with an inline 6. there problem solved.
on a more serious note, what ever you do DO NOT remove it and sand blast it, this might sound obvious but i have seen people do this. i think the funniest was a chap brought around a bike frame he had blasted to a place i once worked to have it powder coated, this said frame came from a bike that used part of its frame as the sump, the result - you can imagine.

Really, how can you compare a rocker cover to a bike frame which uses part of it as the oil sump. What you drinking tonight mate. Bead blasting isn't the same as sand blasting but would still need a thorough wash and blow dry before painting etc, let alone re using.

Tony.

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

They also blast with a soft media made from ground up coconuts. this would be the one I would aim for. But do not let them blast the mating surfaces or the oil filler collar, this would render the rocker cover useless.

Mike

 

[zedonist]

Mr muscle oven cleaner, then use black vht crackle paint

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/381237231228?

It's how I did mine.

 

[hard top]

But do not let them blast the mating surfaces or the oil filler collar, this would render the rocker cover useless.

Sorry Mike, not true, we glass peen male threads on L80 13% chrome tubing that mate up on copper plated gas tight female connections for use in sour gas conditions in the oil & gas biz.

 

[littlefeller]

another chap on a honda forum sand blasted a rocker cover, the sand gets embedded into the alloy then when it heats up the sand comes out ooops.

 

[Low Rider]

another chap on a honda forum sand blasted a rocker cover, the sand gets embedded into the alloy then when it heats up the sand comes out ooops.

Thats not good

 

[micklaw]

Hi Mr c.
Take a look at my post called " m43 rocker cover".that's what I did to mine.I do have a spare cover the one I took of our z.any questions shout up.
Kind regards mick

 

[smiffy]

you don't want to sand or grit blast anything unless it is a battleship! It seems to be a generic term used to cover all media's.

Bead, soda, sponge, coconut, walnut are much more suitable and as @hard top said, okay on seal faces.

Next question though, is do you actually have blasting kit?

 

[jonco]

Mr muscle oven cleaner, then use black vht crackle paint..........

Agreed - 2 coats VHT red (which actually looks orange) and then 2 coats Halfords BMW RED looks like this

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Now thats a nicely finished engine bay Jonco!

Mike

 

[Jack Ratt]

Wait for your missus to go out for a couple of hours, or you could bung her a few quid as a sweetener, then whip the rocker cover off and shove it in the dish washer.

You'll need to use a few extra soap tabs though.

We wont say a word either

 

[t-tony]

another chap on a honda forum sand blasted a rocker cover, the sand gets embedded into the alloy then when it heats up the sand comes out ooops.

That's why I said bead (glass bead) blasting, it's not as harsh and leaves a smooth finish, sand blasting, even with very fine sand, leaves a rough finish.

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

My efforts last week, enjoyed working in the warmth of the Kitchen (Wife at work)
4 Coats of engine enamel after degreasing and a good rub down with wet & Dry
Autosol on the HT Lead carrier plus black plastics cleaned up with Autoglme Trim gel
Studs painted, new seals and gasket complete the overall.
BMW in silver enamel.

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Nice Work, very rewarding!

Mike

 

[oldcarman]

If you have a blaster I'd use soda as @smiffy suggests! Or mail it over and I'll polish it for you! I love polishing especially stainless. JIM