Upper plenum paint job

[RobPhoboS]

Sorry to post it again - but compared to what it was like, I think my one looks oky doky now I gave it a quick clean and wrinkle finish paint (no primer, just a few coats).

I'll do the bolts when Torqen has a kit sorted

 

Edited May 5, 2015 by RobPhoboS

[gazzard27]

anything to look out for when taking the plenum off? is there any gaskets that need replacing etc?

[RobPhoboS]

anything to look out for when taking the plenum off? is there any gaskets that need replacing etc?

 

Nothing that requires replacing, very easy to do - BUT - the bolts need to be removed and installed in a specific order, and at a specific torque. So having a low-torque torque wrench is advised, I bought a Sealey STW1012 for these sort of jobs.

 

Look at page 16 onwards here:

http://www.nicoclub....e/2004.5/em.pdf

 

I didn't disconnect the throttle body from the upper collector, just masked everything up properly, easy peasy

 

Worth getting a can of carb cleaner, spray it on, wipe it down then use something like a sanding sponge type of thing just to give the outer surface a bit of a rub down. Finally spray it down again with the carb cleaner and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Edited May 6, 2015 by RobPhoboS

[gazzard27]

thanks Rob, i can borrow a torque wrench for the job, anyone know what torque specs the bolts are etc? (yes its shameful i dont own my own torque wrench but theyre fricken expensive for a good one lol)

[RobPhoboS]

It's in the manual I pointed to.

LOW torque though, or you'll be snapping bolts.

[Payco]

Link to best plenum removal guide I could find and followed last weekend without issue.

 

http://www.crawfordzcar.com/support/PlenumInstallation.pdf

[Ricey]

If you want it chrome you might as well have it polished. Chrome paints unless you hydro chrome like DarrenB did look a bit naff.

 

Also when you get your torque wrench make sure you test it first. I thankfully did when I did mine years back and it snapped the bolt when set to the correct torque. It was B&Q crap like but you never can be too careful!

[gazzard27]

yeah when i was doing my spark plugs i tested a friends torque wrench on one of the other bolts (not that important) and it snapped it

 

where can i get a low torque torque wrench from?

 

44-61 inch lbs is that right? so should i aim for 50 inch lbs? whats that in ft lbs?

im confused by the installation on that PDF lol haha im usually good with understanding instructions.

[Payco]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321583191080?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

The Crawford instruction for removing the plenum couldn't be any easier to follow.

Edited May 6, 2015 by Payco

[gazzard27]

thanks Payco

do they do half inch versions? most of my sockets are half inch :/

[Payco]

Have a look around ebay. Draper tools are pretty good.. On the subject of the plenum removal my biggest challenge was the lower right throttle body allen bolt. Hard to get too unless you have a allen key socket. Wont get in there with an allen key alone. Aside from that it was an easy job and I am a self taught mechanic going through mechanic puberty..

[gazzard27]

allen key socket? first ive heard of that lol guess i'll have to try and find one of those too

[RobPhoboS]

I wrote down which Sealey one I used gazzard27.

Just order a converter set as well, always handy ex:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Am-Tech-Converter-Set-4-Pieces/dp/B001MPRSAC/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1430908806&sr=1-1&keywords=Am-Tech+Converter+Set

 

I have to disagree with that crawford pdf - just follow the bloody manual

[gazzard27]

thanks rob,

 

anyone know the allen key size? looking at the sockets now.

[Payco]

5 mm

[Payco]

Crawford guide worked for me.Each to their own.Life would be boring if we were all of the same opinion..

[Ricey]

If you've got the money bud (as you seem a little shy of the more obscure sockets!) get this from hellfrauds......covers most things that you'll need (aside from a torque wrench) and has a lifetime guarantee

 

Especially if you fancy having a crack at other jobs.

 

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/tools-diy/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-200-piece-socket-and-ratchet-spanner-set

[gazzard27]

Should i get acid etch primer for this? Or is that not recommended?

[Ricey]

Should i get acid etch primer for this? Or is that not recommended?

 

Yes mate. If you're ever painting bare metal you need to etch prime it first so the paint will adhere.

 

If you can bud try and avoid using 1k rattle cans..........if for no better reason than to protect me from the highly unlikely even that at one point in a decades time you might ask me to re-paint it and I'll be forced to kill you if it's got 1k paint on it!

[gazzard27]

1k paint lol ? what is that haha,

so 1 can of etch and then normal primer yeah? i know some water based paints dont like etch primer apparently?

[RobPhoboS]

VHT Black Wrinkle = No acid etch primer.

 

If you do what I outlined, it works...

If you use a different paint, it may require primer.

[gazzard27]

hi Rob,

 

i want mine Azure blue unfortunately so ive made more work for myself lol

 

so just wondered what primer, will azure sit on etch primer as its water based? anyone have any experience with this?

[RobPhoboS]

Have a look here (for ex):

http://www.frost.co.uk/search/?q=VHT

 

You can always email them and ask.

[Ricey]

To do GLRNET (Graham's) plenum we followed this process (however we are a bodyshop and use 2k paints through HVLP spray guns):

- sandblast

- etch

- high build primer

- wet flat

- base

- clear

- flat/polish as required

 

It's a bloody tricky job to do with cans. I'd be tempted to advise unless you're getting it done professionally use something like the VHT as recommended above.

 

You'll be fighting reactions, incompatible paints, at least 4 different types of rattle can at about a tenner a chuck (etch, primer, base, clear) trying to do a 'normal' paint job.

[gazzard27]

i know someone with a body shop so might get paint made up in there and use the gun and booth