DIY NISMO engine cover

simota1 · 04-14-2010, 09:27 AM

Sup everyone.. im making this DIY because a couple of you were wondering how its done...

ill walk you through everything

BEFORE silver engine cover....

AFTER red engine cover.....

Things needed...

PAINTERS TAPE
PREP SOLVE
PLASTIC PROMOTOR
RED KRYLON FUSION
BRITO PAD "scotch brite pad"

step 1.... really easy just grab your 10mm socket and ratchet and unbolt the five 10mm bolts holding down the engine cover.... the yellow circles are the bolts...

step 2.... once you have unbolted and removed the engine covers from your z... its time to use the painters tape and tape up all the black area of the engine covers leaving the silver part exposed.... please be very tedious in this step make sure you tape really really neat... the neater you tape.. the more nicer the line is.... and the outcome is...

step 3.... once it is all taped up... use your scotch brite brito pad and begin to lightly scuff the silver area.... you dont have to sand super hard... you just wanna create small fine scratches so the paint will grab better....

step4..... wipe down the sanded area with prep solve..... (prep solve is a chemical used by painters to remove all contaminants on the surface that they are going to paint... it insures that all oils, dirts, waxes are stripped from the surface that is going to get painted and provides a lesser risk of the paint reacting.... ie: bubbling, fisheyes, and lizard skin) NOW if you dont have prep solve dont worry

just wash it down with some dish washing soap mixed with warm water and let it air dry...... MAKE SURE you wash it really really good... OIL/any other contaminants= sh!tty paint job... its gonna react or do something really ugly looking sooo please.... make sure the engine cover is washed really well ESPECIALLY if you have applied anything on the plastic to make it shiny.... like armor all.... please note you will most likely have to re tape the whole thing if you have to wash down the valve cover... ALSO ANOTHER NOTE you wanna scuff the silver part while its TAPED UP!!! because if you free hand it you will most likely have small scratches on the black part from accidentally scuffing it

step5.... spray a fine mist and coat the silver area with a plastic promotor... one even coat is good... let it sit for 10-15 mins to dry.... this goes by several names.... "adhesion promotor, flex primer, plastic promotor" this part is necessary since the engine cover will be subjected to hot temperatures this is a reassurance that the paint does not peel

step6..... KRYLON time!!!! start off by spraying a first coat and then second and third... make sure your coats are all thin and EVEN

remember not to rush and be patient.....

step7..... grab a cold brew and chill out for a bit... the pieces should be dry in about an hour.... remount them by installing the 5 10mm you removed and step back and enjoy your hard work

hope you guys have fun doing this mod!!! the best part is that anyone can do it... and its super cheap... ul spend like $20 for the paint and materials....

and ur engine bay will pop when you open the hood with that red engine cover

ON the last note... i am not responsible for anyone if they break something while doing this DIY... i mean its next to impossible for anyone to break anything but yah... just wanna make that clear

Endgame · 04-14-2010, 10:21 AM

Thx!!!!!!!!!!!

simota1 · 04-14-2010, 10:45 AM

no problem man

ducky · 04-14-2010, 10:50 AM

nice...

phelan · 04-14-2010, 11:09 AM

lol wth can you break doing these

nice simz, didn't know this wasn't a DIY yet, or else i would've tried to do it sooner and put one up myself

batman_4 · 04-14-2010, 12:41 PM

good stuff

XwChriswX · 04-14-2010, 01:06 PM

Hey Simota, looks awesome! Just a few quick questions:

1. When applying 3 coats, do you mean spraying it, then spraying again, then spraying again.... and letting that dry. Or spray it down once, let it dry, spray it down again, let it dry, etc?

2. Do you reccomend using any sort of clear coat? Or will this paint hold up by itself?

3. I'm guessing this is a good brand of paint, but since it's going to be in a high temp environment, would the paint use to paint calipers also be a good one to use since its made to take the heat of braking?

Thanks br0!

[Edit: I know this is going to sound insanely stupid but I have to ask, does the strut bar need to be removed to remove the engine cover? And if so, does the car need to be on jacks when removing and reinstalling it?]

CBRich · 04-14-2010, 01:28 PM

In the top right of the valve cover is that texture I see or just a weird reflection? Did you consider sanding in between coats for a more smooth finish?

NewlyIMPORTed · 04-14-2010, 01:30 PM

where did you get the nismo badge for the strut tower?

XwChriswX · 04-14-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewlyIMPORTed

where did you get the nismo badge for the strut tower?

It's not a badge, he painted it on as well.

simota1 · 04-14-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelan

lol wth can you break doing these

nice simz, didn't know this wasn't a DIY yet, or else i would've tried to do it sooner and put one up myself

LOL i have no idea bro... i just wanna make sure LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by XwChriswX

Hey Simota, looks awesome! Just a few quick questions:

1. When applying 3 coats, do you mean spraying it, then spraying again, then spraying again.... and letting that dry. Or spray it down once, let it dry, spray it down again, let it dry, etc?

spray it... then let it get semi dry... then spray it again.. then semi dry and spray it again.....

2. Do you reccomend using any sort of clear coat? Or will this paint hold up by itself?

You can use a clear coat but its gonna turn out super duper shiny... i was really trying to copy how the nismo engine cover looks... Or if you really wanna add a clear coat maybe use like a semi gloss clear...? should be fine though because it doesnt have to deal with rocks or anything like that flying to it...

3. I'm guessing this is a good brand of paint, but since it's going to be in a high temp environment, would the paint use to paint calipers also be a good one to use since its made to take the heat of braking?

yah ive been using krylon for years on cars i work on... never let me down once.... or at least not yet.... great stuff though.... you can use high temp paint... but like make sure you coat it really really good with plastic promotor or else it will do some crazy reactions..... and peel off in the future...

Thanks br0!

[Edit: I know this is going to sound insanely stupid but I have to ask, does the strut bar need to be removed to remove the engine cover? And if so, does the car need to be on jacks when removing and reinstalling it?]

I should have mentioned that.... i forgot

thanks for reminding me ill edit my post...

no you dont have to remove the strut bar when doing this project....

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRich

In the top right of the valve cover is that texture I see or just a weird reflection? Did you consider sanding in between coats for a more smooth finish?

its just a weird reflection... the valve covers paint is even all around..... the thing you see on the picture is like the shimmer of the paint.... i actually wanted to keep the texture...

so it looks factory....but yes you can sand between coats if you want it smooth... if you want it smooth just sand it smooth with like 1000 grit in the beggining instead of scuffing it... and you wont have to sand between coats...

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewlyIMPORTed

where did you get the nismo badge for the strut tower?

i bought it from the dealer.... it was a universal nismo badge... ithe kool thing about it is that its like real aluminum not plastic

im sure you can get it online....my first idea was to mount it somewhere inside my z.... but FAIL lol..... i ended up sticking it on the strut instead

Quote:

Originally Posted by XwChriswX

It's not a badge, he painted it on as well.

XwChriswX · 04-14-2010, 05:47 PM

Now you just need to do a door handle painting DIY and I'll be set and knock that out this weekend!

simota1 · 04-14-2010, 05:57 PM

lol isnt there already a diy section for the handles? i used a gun though to spray my handles.... pretty much the same thing as the cover.... remove... scuff... plastic promotor... then i shot a base black and then shot a semi gloss clear on it

docaam · 05-01-2010, 04:36 AM

hey you painted the strut bar as well, have any pic of uninstalling it? does the car needs to be on jacks for that as i thought its the same bolts for the shockers right?

simota1 · 05-01-2010, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docaam

hey you painted the strut bar as well, have any pic of uninstalling it? does the car needs to be on jacks for that as i thought its the same bolts for the shockers right?

sup man no i powdercoated the strut bar... and no u dont have to jack ur car up it isnt the same bolts for the shocks... those are seperate

04-14-2010, 09:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
simota1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dededo, Guam Posts: 6,642 Drives: solid red 370z 6mt Rep Power: 405	DIY NISMO engine cover Sup everyone.. im making this DIY because a couple of you were wondering how its done... ill walk you through everything BEFORE silver engine cover.... AFTER red engine cover..... Things needed... PAINTERS TAPE PREP SOLVE PLASTIC PROMOTOR RED KRYLON FUSION BRITO PAD "scotch brite pad" step 1.... really easy just grab your 10mm socket and ratchet and unbolt the five 10mm bolts holding down the engine cover.... the yellow circles are the bolts... step 2.... once you have unbolted and removed the engine covers from your z... its time to use the painters tape and tape up all the black area of the engine covers leaving the silver part exposed.... please be very tedious in this step make sure you tape really really neat... the neater you tape.. the more nicer the line is.... and the outcome is... step 3.... once it is all taped up... use your scotch brite brito pad and begin to lightly scuff the silver area.... you dont have to sand super hard... you just wanna create small fine scratches so the paint will grab better.... step4..... wipe down the sanded area with prep solve..... (prep solve is a chemical used by painters to remove all contaminants on the surface that they are going to paint... it insures that all oils, dirts, waxes are stripped from the surface that is going to get painted and provides a lesser risk of the paint reacting.... ie: bubbling, fisheyes, and lizard skin) NOW if you dont have prep solve dont worry just wash it down with some dish washing soap mixed with warm water and let it air dry...... MAKE SURE you wash it really really good... OIL/any other contaminants= sh!tty paint job... its gonna react or do something really ugly looking sooo please.... make sure the engine cover is washed really well ESPECIALLY if you have applied anything on the plastic to make it shiny.... like armor all.... please note you will most likely have to re tape the whole thing if you have to wash down the valve cover... ALSO ANOTHER NOTE you wanna scuff the silver part while its TAPED UP!!! because if you free hand it you will most likely have small scratches on the black part from accidentally scuffing it step5.... spray a fine mist and coat the silver area with a plastic promotor... one even coat is good... let it sit for 10-15 mins to dry.... this goes by several names.... "adhesion promotor, flex primer, plastic promotor" this part is necessary since the engine cover will be subjected to hot temperatures this is a reassurance that the paint does not peel step6..... KRYLON time!!!! start off by spraying a first coat and then second and third... make sure your coats are all thin and EVEN remember not to rush and be patient..... step7..... grab a cold brew and chill out for a bit... the pieces should be dry in about an hour.... remount them by installing the 5 10mm you removed and step back and enjoy your hard work hope you guys have fun doing this mod!!! the best part is that anyone can do it... and its super cheap... ul spend like $20 for the paint and materials.... and ur engine bay will pop when you open the hood with that red engine cover ON the last note... i am not responsible for anyone if they break something while doing this DIY... i mean its next to impossible for anyone to break anything but yah... just wanna make that clear 1st, artist2170, azian and 1 others like this. __________________ *TOP SECRET/POWERHOUSE AMUSE/ARC/DAYTONA RACING/VARIS/MINES/GANADOR/J-LINE/WORK EMOTION CR KAI/GT SPEC/CARBON SIGNAL/ZOOM ENGINEERING/ CARBON FIBER ELEMENT/STILLEN/* Last edited by simota1; 04-14-2010 at 09:39 AM.

04-14-2010, 10:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
simota1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dededo, Guam Posts: 6,642 Drives: solid red 370z 6mt Rep Power: 405	no problem man __________________ *TOP SECRET/POWERHOUSE AMUSE/ARC/DAYTONA RACING/VARIS/MINES/GANADOR/J-LINE/WORK EMOTION CR KAI/GT SPEC/CARBON SIGNAL/ZOOM ENGINEERING/ CARBON FIBER ELEMENT/STILLEN/*

04-14-2010, 11:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
phelan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Age: 38 Posts: 9,513 Drives: Scoobaroo Rep Power: 3406	lol wth can you break doing these nice simz, didn't know this wasn't a DIY yet, or else i would've tried to do it sooner and put one up myself __________________ 凛 ('Rin') - 2009 Nissan 370Z With silence comes peace. With peace comes freedom. With freedom comes silence.

04-14-2010, 12:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
batman_4 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: McAllen Tx. Posts: 1,038 Drives: '09 PW 370Z Rep Power: 368	good stuff __________________ '09 6spd. Touring: Eibach / SPC / Motordyne / Berk / Z1 / Oneighty / Mines / SSR / Stillen / CFE

04-14-2010, 01:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 452	Hey Simota, looks awesome! Just a few quick questions: 1. When applying 3 coats, do you mean spraying it, then spraying again, then spraying again.... and letting that dry. Or spray it down once, let it dry, spray it down again, let it dry, etc? 2. Do you reccomend using any sort of clear coat? Or will this paint hold up by itself? 3. I'm guessing this is a good brand of paint, but since it's going to be in a high temp environment, would the paint use to paint calipers also be a good one to use since its made to take the heat of braking? Thanks br0! [Edit: I know this is going to sound insanely stupid but I have to ask, does the strut bar need to be removed to remove the engine cover? And if so, does the car need to be on jacks when removing and reinstalling it?] __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14 Last edited by XwChriswX; 04-14-2010 at 02:04 PM.

04-14-2010, 10:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	Thx!!!!!!!!!!!

04-14-2010, 10:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
ducky Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SinCity Posts: 437 Drives: 370z and s2000 Rep Power: 16	nice...

04-14-2010, 01:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	In the top right of the valve cover is that texture I see or just a weird reflection? Did you consider sanding in between coats for a more smooth finish?

04-14-2010, 01:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
NewlyIMPORTed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 1,109 Drives: 11 STI Sedan Rep Power: 18	where did you get the nismo badge for the strut tower? __________________ 2011 WRX STICobb Accessport, Nameless Performance exhaust, COBB SF Intake, COBB downpipe, 20% tint, Work Emotion XD9's

04-14-2010, 05:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 452	Now you just need to do a door handle painting DIY and I'll be set and knock that out this weekend! __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

04-14-2010, 05:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
simota1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dededo, Guam Posts: 6,642 Drives: solid red 370z 6mt Rep Power: 405	lol isnt there already a diy section for the handles? i used a gun though to spray my handles.... pretty much the same thing as the cover.... remove... scuff... plastic promotor... then i shot a base black and then shot a semi gloss clear on it __________________ *TOP SECRET/POWERHOUSE AMUSE/ARC/DAYTONA RACING/VARIS/MINES/GANADOR/J-LINE/WORK EMOTION CR KAI/GT SPEC/CARBON SIGNAL/ZOOM ENGINEERING/ CARBON FIBER ELEMENT/STILLEN/*

05-01-2010, 04:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
docaam A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dubai Posts: 2,532 Drives: Z34/240z/Hakosuka Rep Power: 29	hey you painted the strut bar as well, have any pic of uninstalling it? does the car needs to be on jacks for that as i thought its the same bolts for the shockers right? __________________ Old 370Z SOLD but not forgotten 370Z 40th, G37s, S30 RBZ, Hakosuka Skyline

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
wanted OEM 370Z nismo engine bay brace	KaienZ34	Wanted	6	03-13-2011 12:09 AM
NISMO 370z car cover?	zinistr	Exterior & Interior	18	05-13-2010 09:21 PM
nismo engine cover	simota1	Exterior & Interior	15	04-14-2010 09:30 AM
Why the plastic cover over the bottom of engine?	jakoye	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	25	07-19-2009 09:50 PM
Wanted: cover for those @#$!*^!& holes in the cover between radiator and bumper	wstar	Wanted	3	04-08-2009 05:51 PM