11 replies to this topic

[majorj0nny]

Ok - So I degreased my engine bay over the weekend and it came out pretty clean.. might do it again to tidy up a bit more... but what else can I do to smarten it up ?

at the moment Im thinking bout removing the weird bitty soundproofing? or whatever its meant to be on the back wall of the engine bay ? it this needed? should I replace with something else or just have nothing ?

then I want to paint or replace the rocker cover, and similarly the top of the radiator (paint that is), I suppose I need a weather shield putting back since this was missing, also need to replace a few pipes,,,

OH - and the ugly air filter box, Ive seen other cars with a smaller chrome cone filter or round filter directly onto the carb ... is that just a direct replacement type thing ? will it effect anything negatively NOT having the original circular plastic filter box?

[Andrew O]

You've got a good base to start with. If you want inspiration have a look at my project thread as my engine bay is brand new.
Some easy things you can do.
1 - Zip tie your wires to the wiper arms so you can't see them
2 - Get your self a chrome rocker cover
3 - Get your self a K and N air filter ( Or something similar )
4 - By some different colour HT leads
5 - Visit DSN classics website, they have some outstanding products that will smarten up your engine bay
6 - Remove the sound proofing as it is just a big sponge ( A rust trap )
7 - Take some time giving your block and cylinder head a lick of paint.

Hope these help.

Andrew.

[fattail95]

Smiffy's Bits is another excellent website, loads of stuff to tidy up the engine bay and all in stainless steel.

http://www.smiffysbits.co.uk/

[jaydee]

OH - and the ugly air filter box, Ive seen other cars with a smaller chrome cone filter or round filter directly onto the carb ... is that just a direct replacement type thing ? will it effect anything negatively NOT having the original circular plastic filter box?

For the look, a pancake KN will look good:
http://www.minispare...id=35657&title=
http://www.minispare...id=35280&title=

However, for some air flow reasons the cone filters dont flow as good as a modified standard filter casing.

[oltonlad]

heres my engine after buying some chrome bits and giving it a lick of paint (i did paint the engine and bay while the engine was out though but it can easily be done with the engine in the car)
i still need some more chrome stuff for the engine bay and i may have some of the existing stuff chromed as well.

[majorj0nny]

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it'll be a long road .. but heres the progress so far.

Ive removed the soundproofing from the back wall - quite clean underneath really, but looks loads better without it, even though Im sure cabin noise has now increased (not too bothered about it).

painted the rad cowl.

degreased the lower part of the engine, clutch housing, sump - nice to see the original silver shine through from the years of dried on oil and grime.

new coil and (i cant decide if its chavvy? or cool) can cover ?

the rad fan cleaned up nice with de greaser, started polishing up the rad top brass bit though not sure ...

the standard air filter hosing is an agly mass of plastic and Id like to change it for something small and tidy... like a K and N .

also not sure bout the engine block - I kinda like the original yellow showing, though it is patchy and dull

I want to sort that brake servo thing out...

finish swapping the jubilee clips from rusty old wire versions to nice clean new ones. (already done the rad top hose ones)

wiring is a mess I agree..

oh and Ive got a powdercoated rocker cover (only cause it was cheap), to replace the existing scruffy one.

[majorj0nny]

ps - what can you do with that water hose that runs across the front of the rocker cover ? will it tuck round the back of the rocker cover ?

[Andrew O]

http://www.theminifo...-my-engine-bay/

[majorj0nny]

 532844_379505238765532_905328890_n (1).jpg   76.84K   56 downloads

not a great deal different - Ive added a powder coated rocker cover and polished the previously rusty (and up side down) weather shield brackets.

[fattail95]

You need to get that block painted!

[longbridge4life]

You've made a lovely job of cleaning it. The yellow does'nt actually look bad it looks nice and original which is good. My engine was the same colour as yours but wasn't as nice when degreased so i recently painted it red with halforrds red high temp paint (took 3 coats and some artists brushes. Have a look and see if it's what your after.
If you change your filter for a K&N cone filter you may have to slighty retune the engine, After I did it,it was running rich and sooted up the tail pipe till a garage did a few tweaks.

Attached Files

•  Image060.jpg   87.2K   48 downloads

Edited by longbridge4life, 17 June 2012 - 08:56 PM.

[majorj0nny]

You've made a lovely job of cleaning it. The yellow does'nt actually look bad it looks nice and original which is good. My engine was the same colour as yours but wasn't as nice when degreased so i recently painted it red with halforrds red high temp paint (took 3 coats and some artists brushes. Have a look and see if it's what your after.
If you change your filter for a K&N cone filter you may have to slighty retune the engine, After I did it,it was running rich and sooted up the tail pipe till a garage did a few tweaks.

ahh nice ...

yeah Im unsure about me painting my block just yet - If I take the engine out at some point then I probably will, shame I couldnt find some faded yellow or pale yellow to just touch up the block - as I really do like the original colour.

as for the filter - where did you get yours from and how much was it if you remember? I think the cheap pancake one I got was a) too wide and b) not the right one for my carb as my carbs holes are further apart than the filters .