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Engine cover plates

Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 9:15 pm
by Samson
I'm making these to place on the plastic engine cover.
They will be engraved on aluminum and filled with black to match the exterior color of the vehicle.
The profile and mounting holes will remain the template and additional designs will be made in the future and can easily be swapped.
I'll post pics of the finished piece. I plan on making them tomorrow.

Your opinion is welcomed.



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Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 1:25 am
by Tundraman
They should look great once installed. Please post more pics as you progress. Great idea, may get some orders to make some for others.
Thanks,
Scott

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 3:50 pm
by Mike-S
That's a nice design.
Could you explain this process:
They will be engraved on aluminum and filled with black

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 5:06 pm
by Samson
Mike-S wrote:That's a nice design.
Could you explain this process:
They will be engraved on aluminum and filled with black
I normally just use a carbide v-bit for the engraving, but I just received a bit that claims to be better. I'm going to try it and see if there are any notable differences.

For the color fill... I mask the alum and for automotive purposes and to match the color of the vehicle, I use the factory paint and clear supplied by the client. The dealers will sell a small jar of paint to match your code for a negligible fee. However, for this one, since it's black, it doesn't have to be a code match according to the owner. So, I have some black on hand.

I'll post a pic after it's engraved and cut, before color fill.

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 5:50 pm
by ChrisInEstes
Cool project. I'm interested in how well the paint is going to stick to the aluminum, or, what process & materials you'll use to make sure it stays stuck.

Chris

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 9:52 pm
by Samson
I use an etching primer. Paint sticks pretty well to aluminum, think wheels. The Clear helps to seal and protect the paint.


These were just finished and haven't been filled yet. The client was here when they finished and really likes the look of them.
I told them to take a few days to decide. It's easier to add the color than it is to remove it.

I'm terrible with a camera...



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Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 12:59 am
by Samson
These have been filled with black. They will be cut and polished on Monday, then installed Monday afternoon.






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Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 7:03 pm
by Samson
Finally installed...

Additional plates of various designs will be made and can be exchanged.




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Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 3:30 am
by PDXHawkeye
Them are awesome, great job.

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 6:51 pm
by Samson
PDXHawkeye wrote:Them are awesome, great job.
Thanks. There will be more designs soon.

Re: Engine cover plates

Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 9:13 pm
by BArnold
Those are real beauties, Samson!!!