2G Primer on transmission?

[August578]

So I’m replacing my clutch and my trans is pretty dirty, I’m thinking of cleaning up and painting it while it’s out.

I have a general idea of what to use but couldn’t find a definite answer if I should use primer, and which primer to use.

I’ve never painted anything before so this is the 1st.

I’m planning on using VHT Enamel Cast Aluminum and a clear to help it.

But not sure if I should use self etching,Sandable, etc or no primer at all.

 

[jdxnc]

For what it's worth, it doesn't really matter what kind you use, it pretty much all flakes off after a while due to the cast aluminum being very contaminated with oil. I would have to say if any, go with self etching.

 

[August578]

Got it and is 1 can of self etching okay they only have one in stock, have to go to another autozone and check.

 

[jdxnc]

Should be plenty

 

[pauleyman]

If you can have it vapor blasted. Will look like new.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

If you can have it vapor blasted. Will look like new.

For the price it takes for the service, it better .

 

[August578]

I’ve cleaned and wire brushed it down. Is it a bad idea to leave it like this. Because it doesn’t look too bad like this and was relatively easy.

This is a big noob question but will this cause corrosion or something or can I leave it like this.

Could I just put clear coat on it? Or do I just paint it at this point but if I can keep it like this I’d rather not.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[Trebi2]

I once sandblasted and spray painted a Transmission. Wasn't for a DSM tho, was a F5M41 for a Mitsubishi Colt.
As stated before, every Paint does Chip and after a few years u definitely see a few imperfections.
The Paint did stick rly good and - of course - in the beginning it looked good.
Is used some Primer and about 3 Layers of Paint.
Overall the experience wasnt too great tho. While Sandblasting, even tho I tried to tape off every Hole, Sand did get into the Trans. That means I had to take it all apart to clean and check every Bearing and Gear.
Here are some Pictures I quickly found on my phone (don't mind the german text, i'm from austria haha)

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[August578]

So I was originally going to paint my transmission but instead is it okay if I leave it like this.

I wired brush down the whole transmission and cleaned it up, but I was curious if I need to put some type of protectant on it like clear coat because it’s kind of like bare aluminum.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

I also don’t mean to double post, I just wanted to get an answer faster because I need the car back and running, but have time to do it right, I just need an answer soon because I have time to work on it right now.

If that makes sense

 

[August578]

Oh I haven’t painted mine yet, it’s just wire brushed, basically just bare metal. But is it okay to leave it like this?

Or will it corrode and become worse?

 

[spyderdrifter]

You can paint it if you want to. Since the transmission is aluminum, it is already bare metal. Wire brushing it does nothing except maybe help it begin to become shiny. Personally, I'd paint it, just so it looks a bit better.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Use Krylon Dull Aluminum and it wlll look great!

 

[August578]

Awesome thanks, I wasn't sure if there was already some type of like coating protectant or something that was on it from factory or what not.

But yeah I will prob do something along the lines of that since I already have the paint, was just kind of curious as an alternative.

Thanks!

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

It will look like this with Krylon #1403 Dull Aluminum. It makes it look brand new.
Krylon #1613 Semi-Flat Black will make anything look like fresh black plastic, just another tip.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[dwb]

Oh I haven’t painted mine yet, it’s just wire brushed, basically just bare metal. But is it okay to leave it like this?

Or will it corrode and become worse?

It really comes down to personal preference. They were not painted from the factory. Just raw aluminum. Corrosion isn't much of a factor for the aluminum, but the steel hardware (shift levers, bolts, etc.) will rust in certain climates.

 

[Dericsh]

So I was originally going to paint my transmission but instead is it okay if I leave it like this.

I wired brush down the whole transmission and cleaned it up, but I was curious if I need to put some type of protectant on it like clear coat because it’s kind of like bare aluminum.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

I also don’t mean to double post, I just wanted to get an answer faster because I need the car back and running, but have time to do it right, I just need an answer soon because I have time to work on it right now.

If that makes sense

That looks great, I’d leave it like that.

 

[jdxnc]

If it's driven in salt it will get white aluminum corrosion spots all over it after a while. Bare cast aluminum will form a layer of oxide on the outside after a while and dull down. Cast aluminum will also stain really easy when left bare.

If you want a permanent finish, powder coating is about the best way to do it.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.