want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

[weider1717]

It's a 1984 and hasn't ever been done since new so it's deff. time!

Ok my plan is to do this when I repalce the bellows next weekend.

1. should I sand it down some or to bare metal? and what sand paper do you use like a wet/dry sand paper or what? what grit?

2. I plan to buy zinc chromate primer but on this site I saw they sell some by moller but one of their zine chromate is in a yellow can and the other is in a green top can...whats the difference??

3. For the top coat I plan to buy mercruisers phantom black paint in a can.


so as far as paint is that all I need? just zinc chromate primer and phantom black paint?

*here are some pics of my outdrive

 

[Uraijit]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

I'd just clean it up with a scotch bright pad, and hit it with some Rustolium.

 

[weider1717]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

i'm such a detail freak tho, i plan to make it look like it did in 84 when i'm done with it...thats what i'm gonna shoot for anyway and hope it last for say 10 years or so b4 i have to do it again..

this will be the first time since new

 

[DJ]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

Do not sand it down to bare metal. If that old paint is still there, it's a good base.

I wet sand with 220 grit.

Wash the whole thing down with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. That will etch any bare spots and the paint.

Prime the bare spots only with Zinc Chromate. Green or yellow, your choice. I've used both.

You do not need to prime the areas that have paint left on them.

 

[weider1717]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

hey, whats the diff with the yellow or green zinc? is it just the color?


and good tip about not sanding to bare metal..i think i'll use like a 400 grit wet sand paper and scuff it up good then use the 50/50 mixture then shoot with black phantom paint. i think that will do it

 

[weider1717]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

hey, whats the diff with the yellow or green zinc? is it just the color?


and good tip about not sanding to bare metal..i think i'll use like a 400 grit wet sand paper and scuff it up good then use the 50/50 mixture then shoot with black phantom paint. i think that will do it

ttt to answer the above so hopefully i can order everything and have it here to do the project by next weekend

 

[45Auto]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

If you want it to look like new use a 2-part catalyzed automotive paint rather than the spray can stuff. It'll be much shinier and it'll also last another 25 years rather than just the rest of this season. Check out the "IMPORTANT" note on #7 on the instructions from Mercury below.

I did mine last year and replaced the decals, it looks brand new. Use a bead blaster (or very fine sand) to get ALL the white corrosion out of the pits in the aluminum. Take the drive and bell housing off and do the transom plate and bellhousing at the same time. The whole back end of the boat will look brand new.

Where are you located, I think I still have enough material left over to do a couple more drives if you want it. I have no further use for it.

Official Mercruiser painting instructions from:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceandwarranty/mercruiserfaqs/technicalinformation.php#1135

Is there a factory authorized repainting procedure for my sterndrive?

Yes, MerCruiser has a refinishing procedure available. For best results we recommend this procedure be performed professionally.

Refinishing procedure:
This procedure should be used in refinishing MerCruiser sterndrives and transom plates. This procedure will provide the most durable paint system available in the field. The listed materials should be purchased from a local DITZLER AUTOMOTIVE finish supply outlet. The minimum packaged quantity of each material shown is sufficient to refinish several sterndrives and transom assemblies.
1 QT. DX-533 Alumiprep #33 metal preparation
1 QT. DX-503 Alodine #1201 conversion coating
1 QT. DP-40 Non sanding Epoxy Primer zinc chromate primer
1 QT. DP-401 Catalyst for DP-40
1 QT. DAR-9000 Acrylic Enamel-black topcoat
1 Pt. DXR-80 Delthane Ultra-additive for acrylic enamel
1 QT. DTR-602 Acrylic Enamel Reducer-temperature range 70-90 degree F.
PROCEDURE:
1. Scuff sand to remove all blistered paint and roughen factory finish. Remove sanding dust.
2. Follow manufacturer's recommendations and instructions on the individual containers.
3. Apply DX-533 (Alumiprep #33) to clean and condition the aluminum.
4. Apply DX-503 (Alodine #1201) brush on chemical conversion coating for aluminum.
5. The DP-40 (Epoxy Chromate Primer) mixed with DP-401 Catalyst can now be applied. A .75 mil film build is recommended.
NOTE: Allow 30 minute induction period for permeation of the epoxy chromate primer and the catalyst prior to application.
6. The topcoat consists of DAR-9000 Acrylic Enamel Black and the DXR-80 Delthane Ultra additive, and DTR-602 Reducer. It is a polyurethane acrylic enamel system which provides fast drying, durability, high resistance to corrosion and good color and gloss retention.
7. The type of spray gun used will determine the proper reduction ratio IMPORTANT: DO NOT use any type of aerosol spray paints, as the paint will not properly adhere to the surface, nor will the coating be sufficiently thick to resist future paint blistering.
NOTE: DO NOT PAINT SACRIFICIAL ANODES

 

[weider1717]

Re: want to paint my outdrive, a few questions guys..thanks (pics)

thanks for the reply but I still plan to clean it up or to bare metal and primer to zinc chromate (yellow or green cans which one? whats the difference?)

and put phantom black over the primer just wanted to make sure this will work out and look pretty good and which primer to get green on yellow before I order.