Dino Diaries - Feb 25, 2025 - Open Up and Say Ahh!

[Jason Edge]

Just back with a new batch of cadmium plated parts, I like to imagine Dino saying "Ahh" as I sort through the next cad plated goodies to install. This morning I installed a cad plated fuel pump to fuel filter metal line and fittings. Dino is Happy!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Jason,

Beautiful stuff and Dino looks happy for sure!

Dennis DiBari

[Logan Robb]

Jason, Is most of the engine bay painted with Rustoleum Gloss Black Engine paint?

[Logan Robb]

Rust-Oleum 363567 Black Automotive Body Paint Type, 11 oz - Walmart...

This stuff?

I find myself needed a good black paint often and always buy something different resulting in various shade and gloss levels of black. Would like to switch to 1 color haha

[Jason Edge]

I use Rustoleum Gloss Black Engine Paint on shiny surfaces such as the air cleaner, oil filler cap, hood hinge to inner fender bracket, corner brackets, Lower Hood Latch Assemblies (the black parts),  and smaller black painted items, etc.

I use Rustoleum Semi-Gloss Black Engine Paint on wide expanses such as firewall, under hood, and inner fender, Radiator Support (maybe gloss on the top side?).

If I want to really makes something pop, like the air cleaner assembly, valve covers, etc., I use the Rustoleum Clear Engine Paint.

I also always use Rustoleum Engine Primer Grey before top coating.

Rustoleum has been switching over their engine paints and I still have a lot of the older stuff as I buy by the case but have used some of the newer "ceramic" based paints with no issue. 

Here is a quick cheat sheet of part numbers:

ENGINE GLOSS BLACK: old # 248932 - new # 363567
ENGINE SEMI-GLOSS BLACK: old # 248936 - new # --> do not see one listed
ENGINE CLEAR: old #248944 - new # 363 572
ENGINE PRIMER: old # 249410 - new # 363573

Also, I have used the 2000 degree high heat primers and paints as I have found it on sale. It seems to be ok, however nothing has seemed to go on as smoothly as the original 248923 gloss black 500 degree paint. I will try the newer ceramic versions as I deplete my old paint inventory.

Also, there are "Satin' versions of the engine black paints. Those would be OK but would have a duller appearance. My best guess, looking through 60+ years of weather, oxidation and aging, is that even the large expanses like the under hood and firewall areas were more of an semi-glass than a duller satin finish. 

I probably need to do an addendum to our Engine Paint Colors Help topics and do an under hood Paint Help topic, but may just add this as an included update for now. 

[Logan Robb]

Magic, thank you!