Engine compartment

[kaneerarchery]

I just pulled the motor and transmission from my 1966 gmc. I want to wire wheel and paint the engine compartment. Should I just pressure wash it? Recommended cleaners? What color was the original engine bay. It is painted black right now. Anyone recommend a paint or coating. The engine bay does not look rusted at all but underneath the dirt, grease and paint anything could be hiding. Thanks. Randy Kaneer

[FetchMeAPepsi]

The firewall was the same color as the trucks innards, usually fawn if I remember right. The sides were black. If it was me I'd soak it in Super Clean degreaser, pressure wash the dickens out of it, and then wire wheel it and hit it with Ospho, then paint. Good luck!

Got any pics?

[kaneerarchery]

I finally took some photos of the engine compartment. Truck exterior is painted flat black and the interior is painted burgundy.
Randy Kaneer
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[66birdman]

If you havent already done it I highly suggest you go rent a heated pressure washer. They work wonders for that kind of job. I also suggest a paint called POR-15 for anything you are going to paint black. 1qt will do the engine bay and costs about 40 bucks or so. It will last longer than the rest of the truck though. I just did the engine bay and wheel wells on my 66 Tbird with that stuff. Its a pain but totally worth it in the long run. Better to do it once than have to do it again in a few years. Best part is that you can either spray it or brush it on (it self levels to a smooth finish). As far as cleaning like I said before I use a Hotsy washer after I soak it with engine brite and then a final wash down with a quality water based degreaser like Marine Clean or Power Purple if you cant find the marine clean.