The "Hissman Paint Mod"

Start Date:  Nov 4, 2003

Paint Comlete:   Nov 11, 2003

Project Complete:   Nov 13, 2003

Tear Down

Some idiot had written the oil capacity on the plenum with an ink marker

Having the plenum off makes a good time for cleaning what can't normally be reached.  CAUTION:  I used some WD-40 to clean the valve covers, and I will guarantee you that it will take the numbers right off that Engine Data Decal on the R/H valve cover!!  It can be replaced, but I forget exactly where to get it.  (LOL)

Preparation

Painted the Cobra, lettering and background flat black

Except for finishing the sanding on the Cobra and the lettering, to bring back the

"cast aluminum" look,  I'm stalled-out   - can't paint until the temp rises above 70 degrees

Paint

Couldn't paint outside, cause the wind was up a little ... I really hated to paint on top of my new epoxy painted garage floor, but had to give a little.  Protected the Cobra with whatever I could find.

This is the "base " color.   2 - 3 coats.

This is called the "Mid-Coat Color."   With each successive coat, the color change is evident, with different light infractions.

The difference in color is very evident.  This shot had halogen light reflecting on it.

Had to be conservative with the paint, so the bottom suffered a little.

Ready for the "Clear Coat."  The paint is a lacquer, so it shines a lot.

The clear coat really puts a shine on the paint.     

My feelings at this point ...

I'm going to let the paint harden up for a day or so, and then reinstall all the pieces.

The paint can size left a lot to be desired, especially the "Mid Coat Color."  I don't know if you can buy individual cans or not, but I could have used one more can, for sure.  Near the end of the can, it started spitting a little, so I didn't get the coverage I had hoped for.

What appears to be "orange peel" is actually the pits in the casting.  During the preparation, I sanded my butt off, without using any power tools, and it just wasn't enough!  I had threatened to take the whole mess somewhere and have it polished, and then re-paint it   (but my wife stepped-in and calmed me down, as usual, saying that it looked okay).   Well, I didn't expect "showcar" quality, but I'm not 100% happy, either.

If someone wants to do this and end up with a mirror-like shine (right through the paint), I think the parts need to be polished, and then painted under a bright light, so no nooks and crannies are overlooked.  All the sanding in the world won't substitute for polishing, in my opinion.  You'll just have to decide if you want the extra expense (or labor, if you do it yourself) of polishing.  If additional cans of the Mid Coat Color can't be purchased, plan on getting two kits ($20 each at A-Zone).

Completion

\Well, this project is complete.

I talked with "Hissman," and he said that he had painted several other components with just that one can of paint.   I think that the appearance of mine looks way too strong - too much paint (that's why I ran low on paint, I guess).  I suggest that anyone who tries this "mod" use VERY LIGHT coats of paint.  The instructions say to use 3 - 6 coats.  I was lucky to get 3 coats before the can started spitting! 

With the base coat, you're not having to cover anything up (old paint, etc.), and the base coat provides a surface for the mid coat paint to react with.  Light coats should give a different visual effect.

On the '95 plenum, it's hard to get into the hidden places without causing massive overspray in other areas.  Use a bright light, and go slow.  It isn't necessary to get a solid coat on each application.  The effect, in the end, will be pleasing ...

I kind of wish now, that I had done the valve covers too.  Seeing as how the plenum has to be removed, it would have saved a lot of work down the road ... something to consider (you'll probably need two kits).

Dan Walters

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Last Updated:  Dec 3, 2006

Dan Walters