There are lots of parts to paint before the engine is assembled. All parts are being covered with VHT Engine paint in Plum Perfect color. The new build FlyCorvair parts just need a quick clean with MEK prior to paint. The reused parts need a trip to the blasting cabinet first and after a through clean they get a good two coats of color before being covered in bubble wrap and packed away for the trip to CC #27 for the build. In image 1 you can see the hold downs for the valve covers laying on a plastic sheet during painting. I discovered that they tended to stick to the old paint on the surface which peeled of easily and I had to repaint one side after clearing off that adhesion. To prevent any further problems I keep all parts elevated on cups intended for epoxy mixing. A little paint on the outside is OK so the cups are not wasted. The yellow protrusion from the right valve cover is the oil filler cap. It has been marked with capacity using dry transfer lettering and then clear coated. The yellow paint is for high visibility as well as being a standard in the aviation industry. The dip skick handle is the same color.
The engine has six individual cylinders. These are made of steel so a good coat of engine paint is essential to prevent rusting. These are actually 92mm VW parts that have been machined to fit a Corvair case. The case and heads needed some machining as well for everything to fit. The end result is more displacement and power without compromising the reliability of the engine. A good side effect is lower weight due to differences in Corvair and VW cyclinders.
