What color should i paint my valve cover?

[Lavalamp]

black so it doesn't stand out, red cause it's fast, yellow cause i have some high temp yellow paint sitting around, orange to match the few little orange things that are in the engine bay, other??

and what should i use to clean the valve cover real good?

also i noticed a sticker under my hood that said "model: 735i/L6", my production date is 09/87 but my car is technically an 88...is that just what all 635s say after 87?

[YK91]

Black. It would be a nice clean look, since your car looks pretty clean to me.

[JRanmann]

Chrome it and then brush it dull....


orange to match the few little orange things that are in the engine bayis your radiator cooling fan orange ?

[Lavalamp]

chroming it would involve taking it somewhere etc i'm just trying to do something real quick while i have it off. i'll probably just paint it black.

but no my fan isn't orange. it's just a couple things like the distributor cap, the middle line on the air filter box, a sticker on the under side of the hood...
i think i might paint the air box too, it looks a little sad.

[Badgas]

If you want shiny, how about polished rather than chrome. I like the shine better anyway.

[smaglik]

powder coat. cheap, and pick your color from the list. matte black would be good.

[JRanmann]

Black body, brushed (horizontals and BMW logo) only is always nice and one can do it themselves...

Not a great job paintwise but this 2002 cover gives you the idea of what i suggest...power coating
the black would look way nicer than paint .....

http://www.marsmann.com/2002tii/images/feb03-valve-paint-done.jpg

PS I really liked my Orange Sachs fan until it was broken this
summer by a mechanic... visible to the eye when spinning (black is not), but not red!
Try to find one same these days?


Cheers~

[Lavalamp]

that looks good, what do i use to brush it?

[barry8108]

I have sold about 20 m30 covers over the years and done all of my cars. I clean them with scotchbrite and degreaser and then paint them with high temp black engine paint including the white and blue roundel colors if it has one. Then sand off all raised features and clear coat it again with high temp clear for a good seal. I think it is one of the best ways to dress up a engine.

[JRanmann]

that looks good, what do i use to brush it?dremel? use flat paint if you're to paint it off and as barry says use clear over it when it's done up...a good initial clean and brush/dry is important for a good result...

Good luck Lava!

Ran

[Lavalamp]

Cleaning
http://i45.tinypic.com/muuamf.jpg
Clean
http://i49.tinypic.com/69iyh0.jpg
Black
http://i49.tinypic.com/241knte.jpg
Sanding and clear coat
http://i46.tinypic.com/99qhjs.jpg

[JRanmann]

Now doesn't that look sweet!

[Lavalamp]

it sure does...now i wanna do my intake manifold... any reason i shouldn't?

[SixerFixer]

The manifold is a pain in the ass to R&R with the engine still in the car!

[Lavalamp]

i guess that's a good enough reason. thanks lol