updating an outboard motor

[Jack Daniels]

Hey guys wanted to ask a question regarding updating the appearance of a 1983 outboard. Currently its a white FORCE 85 HP and it seems like the paint is in decent shape. However, I am not a big fan of white anything and was wondering what steps i should take to repaint in black. Can i just purchase outboard paint from iboats and spray over it or should I sand, prime, and then paint. I want it to look like a new motor so I am not against spending the time to do it right. Also is spray outboard paint the best or should i use a roller. Thanks for the help.

 

[dubnvento]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Sand the cowl and then use primer and either spray it with a gun or use rattle can. You will be able to get a decent look with the rattle can but for over all top notch looks you will need to spray it or have an auto body shop spray it. The lower unit that will be in the water will need sanded and primed with Zinc-Chromat to protect it from rusting. Once that's done, do the above.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Are you sure you really want to go black? Sure, it looks pretty when waxed but in the sun it will get hot enough to burn you--Thats the reason I went white with my Force. Climbing in over the back after skiing, I get singed.

With black, first thing that happens is it gets viciously hot. Secondly, in time it starts to fade. Third, it checks and then chalks off. All in all, I consider it to be a bad choice for outboards.

I have done a number of hoods. They are plastic, not fiberglass, so any repairs need to be done with epoxy. The stock decals can be removed with a straight edge razor blade and the residual adhesive can be removed safely with Xylene (Home Depot paint dept).

I have used automotive primer and rattle cans of acrylic because I was too lazy to gunk up my air gun on such a small surface. Acrylic is hard and bright but does tend to chip because of its hardness. Now, anything aluminum must be sanded well, and primed with zinc chromate primer--otherwise the paint will flake off in a relatively short time. On the hood, I usually go about 4-5 coats of primer with progressively finer sanding in between. Then, after the first color coat shows all imperfections I use spot filler. Then I use about 5-6 coats of color with 600 to 1000 grit wet sanding. If I was using my air gun, I would mist a coat of straight thinner to gloss up and level the final coat prior to finish sanding (if needed) and waxing. My experience is that a clear coat yellows in about two years so I don't use one. Next hood I do, I am going to try Rustoleum Plastic Primer.

Have you considered decals? I just completed a Chrysler hood with custom auto decals and it came out better than I expected. Since I can't post pictures here (I can't set the time on my VCR and DVD either) I will send you a private message with the photo of it. Cost 37 bucks for each decal and 65 bucks to buy the print so I would get a really good decal shot from it. Decals are guaranteed for seven years.

 

[Solittle]

Re: updating an outboard motor

JD - I used the basic method that Frank describes. I used one coat of automotive primer and one coat of color. These engines are 1987 OMC V-4s. The pictures were taken soon after the job was finished. That was about six years ago. There has been a degree of checking on the top of the hood since then - - I don't have any current pictures.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Thanks for the info guys. I see what your saying frank, i didnt think about the heat issue on the outboard. I just like how that black shiny outboard looks when freshly painted. Ill have to think about it regardless of what i decide to do this is going to be a larger project than I anticipated. Frank can you PM me your pics of the completed work.

In regards to decals, for a FORCE 85 is that something that i can have easilty replaced or made? Does someone have a good template that i can use? At least i would love to update the decals since they are really whats making the outboard look old.

Thanks again

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Here's the photo (hopefully) ---------Hallelulea! I can finally post photos.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: updating an outboard motor

As far as Force decals, They are probably still available---But look what I did! If you just want plain Force type decals, just tell the print shop what you want to do. Because it has no photos, they can set the whole thing up in the computer and print it for you. That way you can get something different than anyone else has. They save the file to DVD and you get to keep the disc. And if it gets scratched, bring them the disc, print another and re apply.

Oh, yeah! IMPORTANT! Be sure to tell them you want mirror images so both sides of the hood face the same way

If you decide you want to do the decal route, during your travels look for a car wrapped and find out from the driver where he had it done. That's how I found my printer. They advertised decals-vehicle lettering-vehicle wraps.

They are local here in Pa. but if you want to contact them, ndcc2750@comcast.net

 

[Fish n Geer]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Here's the photo (hopefully) ---------Hallelulea! I can finally post photos.

That looks sweeeeeet Frank!

 

[SHEP#1]

Re: updating an outboard motor

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I have the MERCURY decals that I cut yesterday - I will probably put them on tomorrow..

I sanded everything down with 220 grit paper on an orbital sander, got the nooks and crannies with paper in hand, cleaned off with a chemical of which I can not for the life of me remember the name. I then put on about 4 coats of the MERCURY "Phantom Black", then followed with a coat of clear (just on the cowls). I'm pretty happy with the results.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: updating an outboard motor

shep, that looks sweet. nice job. what kind of clear coat did you use?

 

[SHEP#1]

Re: updating an outboard motor

shep, that looks sweet. nice job. what kind of clear coat did you use?

Thanks! I don't have the cans anymore, but I do recall that it was made for painting rims/wheels on cars. It claimed a "protective" barier against rocks and such.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: updating an outboard motor

Here's the photo (hopefully) ---------Hallelulea! I can finally post photos.

Boris Vallejo is quite an artist Nice decal, that's got to generate some compliments.

Erik

 

[SHEP#1]

Re: updating an outboard motor

One shots with the decal on.....

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: updating an outboard motor

wow, that's awesome. tall dark and handsome on the transom!