Paint Masking Question

[dave73]

I have a what might be a dumb paint masking question. I have a MSD box under my hood that sticks out like a sore thumb, want to paint it black. How do I mask off the silver painted edges so those remain? I've read some people use chapstick because paint won't stick to it?

[anlauto]

I would paint it all black, tape up the rev limiter part maybe, and let it dry. Take a razor blade and remove the paint from the silver parts and clean up with some thinner on a rag or Q-tip

[JS29]

Fine-line masking tape, good raiser blade's and a steady hand.  And patients is a must!      

[Cuda Cody]

Are you using a rattle can?  Just paint it all and while it's setting up just take a little paint thinner and carefully wipe the paint off the silver aluminum.  Goes pretty quick and works good.  Use this technique for emblems too.

[70 Challenger Lover]

Even if it comes out perfect, you may still be disappointed with the look of it in your engine compartment. I use msd stuff a lot but they are kinda ugly. I try to find hidden places for them and tape up the wiring loom so it's not too obvious.

[dave73]

Thanks guys, I have some ideas now. My first thought was to fabricate an aluminum cover but figured painting may just be easier to help it blend.

[750-h2]

Cody's method is the way to go, but make sure the black paint you use is oil based or enamel and use house hold paint thinner [Varsol]. If you use lacquer based black paint you would have to use lacquer thinner and that will likely remove the silver paint.

[Cuda Cody]

Is the silver paint or exposed metal?

[750-h2]

In his original post he said the silver was painted?

[dave73]

I'm actually not sure if it's painted or exposed metal, I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow

[JonH]

It's exposed unpainted metal. Cody's way is the best. Your issue will be getting paint to stick to the red. When it flakes it will look way worse. My advice is hide it or live with it...

[HP_Cuda]

Funny I have no issue with my 6AL showing in my engine bay. You really are not fooling anyone by hiding it but I get folks like to try and have a clean look.

It just doesn't bother me at all.

[dave73]

I'm not trying to hide it at all, my car is no where near stock looking. I'd just rather have it be black to match the paint scheme of black and brushed silver under the hood

[screamindriver]

I'm not trying to hide it at all, my car is no where near stock looking. I'd just rather have it be black to match the paint scheme of black and brushed silver under the hood

I understand exactly what you're saying.... At one time MSD and mopar performance teamed up and offered a "mopar performance" version..I snagged one of those and as luck would have it the serial number on mine was 1170 ...It hasn't missed a beat for over 12 years even being mounted in the engine bay...

[Rdchallenger]

You can also try putting Vaseline on a Q-tip and applying that on the silver before prime and paint. After paint has set up some wipe off the Vaseline thus re-exposing the silver.

Surprisingly I saw that trick on Graveyard cars of all things! Tried it on my Challenger grill emblem, Vaselined the chrome, painted it black, then when dried I just wiped off the vasaline to expose the chrome again.