Tips for painting aluminum wanted

[Road_Runner]

Normally I'm all about showing off aluminum intakes, etc. but I'm trying to hide my modifications on the Barracuda to keep that 'stock' look.  So I've picked up a good used Ede aluminum intake and want to know if there's anything special I need to do or can I just clean it and spray on a few coats of Chrysler blue before bolting it on.  Anybody else try to hide upgrades and have advice to share?  So if you can help me with either question thanks in advance.

Later, Jim

[73EStroker]

Jim, all you have to do is get to your local Auto Paint supply and ask for some self etching primer for aluminum. It comes in spray cans. You will need the manifold to be squeaky clean as in washed with oil and wax remover then washed with naptha (commonly known as camp stove fuel). Do not use lacquer thinners it has oil residue in it. Wait for it to dry then spray 2 coats of self etch primer. Let dry in a warm room overnight then apply your Mopar Blue. It should stay on forever.

[Road_Runner]

Jim, all you have to do is get to your local Auto Paint supply and ask for some self etching primer for aluminum. It comes in spray cans. You will need the manifold to be squeaky clean as in washed with oil and wax remover then washed with naptha (commonly known as camp stove fuel). Do not use lacquer thinners it has oil residue in it. Wait for it to dry then spray 2 coats of self etch primer. Let dry in a warm room overnight then apply your Mopar Blue. It should stay on forever.

Thanks for the great info!  What is an example of an oil & wax remover you mentioned?  Is it a grease removing dish detergant such as Dawn or something more industrial?

Thanks again, Jim

[Chryco Psycho]

it is a body shop prep chemical , the other route is to use a good alum cleaner , most welders that weld alum would have some , it would make the alum look new before painting it

[vinb]

I took my Weiand #8007 and used a die-grinder to take off all the numbers & lettering than glass beaded it . Painted it with Chrysler blue ... Looks almost like a stock manifold..

OK photos attached, THANKS.....

[73EStroker]

Paint will not stick to aluminum otherwise Boeing wouldn't use etch primer. The wax remover is also available at the Auto Paintstore. They will give you some generic stuff. CP's suggestion is a good one also.

[Road_Runner]

I took my Weiand #8007 and used a die-grinder to take off all the numbers & lettering than glass beaded it . Painted it with Chrysler blue ... Looks almost like a stock manifold..

I would post a few photos but it will not let me post anymore photos. Box is full or something....

I've thought about grinding the lettering off mine as well.  Its a used Ede performer that I picked up cheap so I'm not worried about resell.  The only thing that bothers me about it is that it has 4 bolt holes for two different sized water necks and to look really right I may have to grind the extra holes & pad off.  Not sure if that could be a problem or not, anyone done this?

Thanks, Jim

[Road_Runner]

Thanks guys for the advice on the aluminum cleaner.  I'll check out the aluminum cleaner at the auto paint store.

Later, Jim