Dipstick restoration . . .

Basic needs related to restoring a 6er including
Electronics, Bodywork, Welding, Painting, Engine Swap, etc
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dwcains
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Location: Lutz, FL

Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by dwcains »

To start, let's say this thread is for the truly anal-retentive shark owner. The small details count, and the dipstick was pulling down the visual impact of my car's engine bay, so something had to be done.

My car's 32-year old dipstick had chipped and peeling paint on both the metal and rubber parts. I didn't think any sort of paint would stick very well to the less-than-perfect surfaces, so I thought I'd try some of this Plastidip:

Image

The problem with this product, as supplied, is it's far too thick for a small part like the dipstick. If you dip the part and pull it out, the result will be large drips and runs, and even a skin in the loop of the handle. Good thing this stuff wipes off easily while wet, or peels off in a sheet when dry. I had some mineral spirits, which worked well as a thinner, so I added some to the container, to give a viscosity like heavy cream. The thinner rubber leaves an even layer, without large drips or runs, but it's too thin to be durable, so I applied three coats spaced about an hour apart. The pic below is actually my third attempt, and this one looks about perfect.

Image

As I said, not for everyone, but I was bored and had an extra $8 :mrgreen:
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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sharkfan
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by sharkfan »

Awesome work =D>
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Da_Hose
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by Da_Hose »

Great idea!

I think I need to go buy a yellow spraycan of plastidip.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
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dwcains
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by dwcains »

I've never tried the spray can type, I wonder if it has the same durability? The bad thing about the liquid is that they make the can so it really can't be resealed enough to prevent the product from drying out (it's like a tennis ball can). Luckily, we had a tall 16 oz jar of Trader Joe's stuffed olives that was almost empty, so it's now the "dipping" jar. I have enough for maybe 20 more dipsticks, if anyone wants theirs done. I probably won't have any other use for it.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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Pod
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by Pod »

Very effective =D>
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dwcains
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by dwcains »

It's tough stuff, so it should last a very long time. I screwed up my second attempt and left a big drip near the bottom, and it's a task to cut it off. I had to make several lengthwise slits with a razor blade, and then peel it like a banana.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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slofut
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by slofut »

Hey that's very cool Dean! I keep forgetting about that stuff, I even have a couple cans around that I haven't even opened!
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Brucey
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by Brucey »

nice work! Almost looks 'untouched by human hand!'...

Re resealing the container; IME you can greatly increase the shelf life of all kinds of paints etc by binding insulation tape tightly around the cap, to act as a secondary seal. The same thing also works with loads of other stuff like seldom-used magic marker pens, touch-up paints etc too.

cheers
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MrE
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by MrE »

Brucey wrote:nice work! Almost looks 'untouched by human hand!'...
Agreed - it looks fantastic. Image

Brucey wrote:IME you can greatly increase the shelf life of all kinds of paints etc by binding insulation tape tightly around the cap, to act as a secondary seal. The same thing also works with loads of other stuff like seldom-used magic marker pens, touch-up paints etc too.
Brilliant!! Image Image
Image
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zinnocoupe
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Re: Dipstick restoration . . .

Post by zinnocoupe »

Looks great Dean, its little things like this that make the engine bay look really fresh and new. Nice work. I was going to do this with yellow paint. I'll have to watch for some of that stuff.
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1979 Euro 635ci no longer a basketcase, just a running rust bucket!
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