Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

Greetings all,

I've got the '75 b-20 block back from the machine shop, and it cleaned up really nice. Now that the engine is clean, it's well worn paint is showing.

Since the block is out of the car, I figure now is as good of a time as any to paint the thing. (And for those that wonder, it will of course be red, as not to anger the volvo engine colour gods again.)

I'm hoping for some advice in terms of masking the engine. I'd really hate to get any paint inside the nice clean smooth cylinders.

I'd also like to mask the freeze plugs. (It always kinda bugs me to see painted over freeze plugs, and the like.) Any tips on that?

I don't need a show car finish, I'd just like something that looks decent.

As far as paint, I was planning on just going down to a local auto parts store and getting a can of red engine enamel. Cheap and easy. I know they likely won't have the exact red tone the engine originally was but I'm not too concerned about that.

Any advice is appreciated.

Here's some before and after pictures:

Before:






After:








Thanks as always!

--
http://dylans122.blogspot.com Recently updated!








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

If you want to get detailed take some silver paint or whatever color and paint the volvo and b20 with a small brush, it will look pretty cool once its in there, makes a nice touch anyway, imo.








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

I have used the chrylser engine red paint from duplicolor at kragens or advance parts stores, or orielly depending on where you live. The ford red might be a little color but wasn't concerned about the perfect match. As far as masking you can put the tape on the metal surfaces then use a hammer or heavy block and run it along the edge or slightly tape on the edge. The edge usually cuts through the tape and you have a perfect mask to paint around. To clean the block use some acetone or brake cleaner works too. If you dont have heat use a heat lamp bulb with one of those metal shroud work lights just dont get it to close that it melts the paint.








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

When I asked the same question POR 15 was recommended by a number of folks. Google POR15 for more details








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

Dylan,
How about just pulling the freeze plugs prior to paint and install the new ones after painting?








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

On your machined critical surfaces, a thin film of grease will prevent your paint overspray from sticking. Just wipe it off after you are through spraying and before assembly. Hope this helps.








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

That's an interesting idea I would have never thought of.
--
http://dylans122.blogspot.com








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

Dylan!
For the last (insert number) years I have been using RustOleum rusty metal primer
followed by one or two coats of RustOleum's Regal Red. Be sure that the block is warm
when you paint it or it will take a LONG time to get dry enough that you can work on it.
I usually have just bitten the bullet and used regular masking tape on mine, trimmed
with a sharp knife at the edges. Since trimming against cast iron is hard on knife edges,
be prepared to sharpen the knife a time or two along the way.
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

Rustolium works great. Ive used it many times. I brush it on and it take 2 coats. There is still some rusty places on the block that can be treated with rustolium rust converter which will effectively prime the block. Where original paint remains just paint over it. Freeze plugs rust too so pain over them. The first time you run the engine the Rustolium bake on real nice and hard.

Regarding freeze plugs, I have had or witnessed several newly replaced ones fall out on B20's. I now leave the old ones in place if the look solid and don't replace them. If I do replace them I clean out the hole REALLY good down to fresh metal and epoxy the new plugs in place.








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

I picked up a can of Rustolium paint from the local auto parts store. I didn't pick up any primer; maybe I'll go back and get some before I do this.

It sounds like there may be a benefit of painting the freeze plugs, so I think I won't worry about them at this point.

Thanks for the responses guys!

--
http://dylans122.blogspot.com








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Painting a b-20 120-130 1966

You bet! This whole thing is supposed to be about helping others out if we can and learning more. If I stop trying to learn, I want everyone I've met to attend my funeral, because I may as well be done. Please show some photos of your completed project when you are ready. And good luck!







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