El Camino Engine Bay - Cherry Bay

For complete coverage of the bare engine bay, we used three cans of gray primer, one can for each side of the bay and one last coat to finish it off. We started spraying at the top of each fender and worked our way down until we met up with the crossmember. We repeated the process on the other side, maintaining a 10- to 12-inch distance while laying down the paint. At this point, we decided it would be a good idea to let the primer coat dry overnight before attempting the final coat.

The next day, we could begin laying down the coats of black paint. Because this paint must endure the heat of the motor, we picked up four cans of Duplicolor's high-heat flat black paint. We used the 1,200-degree-F stuff, but the 500-degree paint would have provided adequate protection and coverage as well. Just as before, we swept from top to bottom and began with the fenders. For cold or overcast days, a drop light will help speed up the drying.

Four cans later, this engine bay is looking pretty snazzy. Even though it doesn't have an exact OEM look, we dare say it looks even better. Now, if we could only get the rest of the car to come out just as well, but that'll be a project for another day.

Cheap Paint Gun
While painting, control is everything, and long periods of spraying can leave your fingers fatigued. A cool trick is to pick up one of these Eazy paint guns from a local auto parts store. They clip right to the tip of the paint cans and allow efficient management of the paint. Paint sweeps become smoother, and the spray will flow out more evenly.