How to Paint a Fresh Air Intake Cover
A fresh air intake, also know as a cold air intake, is a device on the inlet side of an engine that provides cold, fresh air to the motor. The intakes are usually toward the front of the engine bay and are often covered by a metal or plastic cover. Over time, air intake covers can become faded and scratched. Returning them to like-new condition can be done in a few hours with the right tools and know-how.
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Things You'll Need
- Spray primer
- Spray paint
- Sand paper (220-grit to 400-grit)
- Tools to remove the air intake cover
- Mineral spirits
Instructions
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Remove the air intake cover. This is usually held on with either clips, screws or bolts. Inspect how the cover is fastened to the engine bay or consult your owner's manual before removing it.
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2
Inspect the air intake cover for cracks or damage. If there are any cracks, fix them with epoxy and then smooth the surface with Bondo or spot putty.
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Mask any areas of the cover that you do not want to be painted, such as badges or warning stickers, with masking tape.
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Sand the cover with 220-grit and then 400-grit sandpaper.
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Clean the cover thoroughly with mineral spirits. Make sure that the cover is entirely free of oils and dirt before applying paint.
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Spray on a light coating of primer. Allow the primer to dry for a minute or so before applying two or three solid coats. Allow the primer to dry between coats and sand the paint with 400-grit sandpaper between coats.
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Spray on a light dusting of paint. Allow the paint to dry for a minute and then apply two to three solid coats. Use the same procedure that was used for priming for the color coat. If you are not applying a clear coat, then wet-sand all the way to up to 1,200-grit, moving up in fineness as you go.
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If you want a shiny finish, apply a clear coat over the final color coat. Apply two to three coats and then wet-sand up to 1,200-grit sandpaper. Reinstall the air intake cover.
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