Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: sterl on September 22, 2006, 12:09:31

Title: Painting expansion tank
Post by: sterl on September 22, 2006, 12:09:31

Hi all. I am about to paint the brass expansion tank and was planning to use spray cans to apply an etch primer, then a grey primer and finally satin black (all cellulose or cellulose-compatible). Does anyone know if this scheme will work and be durable or will heat cause it to fail?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

Billericay, Essex, UK
Late 67 LHD 250SL

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: mdsalemi on September 23, 2006, 07:50:18

Mark,

Sounds like a good plan--just don't try to powder-coat it.  I think the tank is soldered together and may fall apart if you try.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: George Des on September 23, 2006, 09:28:45

Mark,

I believe cellulose is the word used in the UK to describe lacquer products. If this is correct, I would advise against using this and go to an enamel or acrylic urethane product. Lacquers tend to be brittle finishes because of the solvent carriers used and the manner in which they dry--evaporation. Over time with the constant heating and cooling of the expansion tank, I think you will see some cracking of the finish not to mention the tendency of lacquer finishes to be adversely affected by solvent spills. The other products I mentioned are much more flexible and resistant to solvents. Whatever you decide, just make sure you use compatible primers and finishes e.g. a lacquer topcoat will eat up an enamel primer. More info on the adv/disav of various paint products on Len Stuart's website. Good luck

George Des

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: sterl on September 23, 2006, 11:12:17

Thanks a lot for the info. I went the black satin enamel route as advised, with an etching primer. Looks pretty good!

Mark

Billericay, Essex, UK
Late 67 LHD 250SL

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: dreyer635 on September 23, 2006, 13:10:20

Hi - here is a picture of mine painted in march this year - after 2500 miles this summer it it still looks the same. (Black hobby enamel spraycan + grounding)

Kjell Dreyer
Stavanger Norway
280 SL 4 speed


Download Attachment: (http://images/icon_paperclip.gif) pagoda-water- tank.jpg (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/dreyer635/200692315756_pagoda-water-%20tank.jpg)
56.89 KB

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: Raymond on September 24, 2006, 16:29:13

I used high temerature engine paint.  It has held up well for two years.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: Benz Dr. on September 25, 2006, 09:49:32

I clean all the old paint off and then spray satin black right on the bare surface the way the factory did. I rarely use primers on engine bay parts. The heat from the engine should keep moisture and rusting to a minimum.

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

Title: Re: Painting expansion tank
Post by: graphic66 on September 25, 2006, 10:40:03

I used Eastwoods radiator black spray paint for the tank, radiator and heater core. It is just the perfect look for the radiators and works very well.