Topic: Engine case treatments? Paint, Polish, What?

[goaarongo]

So I'm splitting the cases on another 750.  My plan right now is to strip the paint and actually polish them (or at least the main visible sections).  Anyone got war stories on this?  Curious what peoples experience has been. 

I panted my last set with some rattle can stuff I bought from Steve Carpy and, while it's been ok, they have needed several touch ups over the years.  Thinking polishing might be a bit more durable, I like the look of bare metal better anyway.  I'm sure it's gonna be a a lot of work, but worth it? Maybe...?
 

[calj737]

have it vapor blasted. Looks better than bare, not as shiny as polished, and durable/gorgeous!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150819.25.html

[hondamad]

Have it ceramic coated , looks good , much more durable than paint

Check for techline coatings on the net. Did my casings , barrels and head

[Stev-o]

Hey Aaron......I'll be sending my Kaw H2 engine (case, cylinders and heads) to Nils on Monday for vapor blasting.  Although the Kaw Triple motor came "naked" I do not care for that look and had considered powder coating, but vapor seems the way to go. 
Be happy to show you the results in person once I get them back. 

[goaarongo]

Thanks for the replies.  Been thinking about vapor blasting for sure. 

Was leaning towards polishing I guess because I can do it myself.  Just finished this valve cover and I like it - you can see how bad it was by looking at the breather cover.  Those fancy tappet covers had been painted and took a lot of work.  They had a hard life - someone along the way decided to remove them with channel lock pliers I think - the bolt heads are really snarled up, but maybe it won't be too noticeable.



Looking at that case and imagining the hours of dremel tool madness that it would take is definitely making me think about vapor...   

[calj737]

The "downside" to polish is keeping it looking that way. With vapor blasting, the surface is "peened" and thus the finish  endures. And, someone else gets to toil away making it look beautiful!

[Stev-o]

Cant see the pic.   Let me know what other engine covers you need, dont think I have spare tappet covers though.