Painted engine covers

winther1 · 02-08-2021, 07:06 PM

Bored and looking at a making the engine bay a little less dull.
For about £150 this guy is painting engine covers with same base and clear coat as exterior.
https://www.instagram.com/kustom_covers1/?hl=en

Thinking it will be a nice addition:

ian332isport · 02-09-2021, 01:33 AM

Not generally something I like, but painted white on a white car actually looks quite nice.

Abzynthe · 02-09-2021, 01:47 AM

It's not my sort of thing, but plenty of people have done it

un1eash · 02-09-2021, 01:56 AM

Nay, other then filling the washer fluid I never lift the bonnet these days.

Bachu1 · 02-09-2021, 02:56 AM

Personally they look ace, its just the same as wrapping the crash bars or calipers,

Granted it wont be seen much but it looks ace.

James-335dx · 02-09-2021, 04:44 AM

Actually did mine myself a while back. Also I got a spare cover from eBay so if I didn't like it or wanted to swap it back I can do. I think it look's okay though for the cost of some Estoril blue and clear and a bit of wrap

Was actually thinking of having a go at redoing it when the weathers a bit warmer. Ditch the carbon wrap for gloss black paint and adding some silver to the manifoldy looking bits

BIFCAIDS · 02-09-2021, 04:47 AM

I'm out

winther1 · 02-09-2021, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James-335dx

Actually did mine myself a while back. Also I got a spare cover from eBay so if I didn't like it or wanted to swap it back I can do. I think it look's okay though for the cost of some Estoril blue and clear and a bit of wrap

Was actually thinking of having a go at redoing it when the weathers a bit warmer. Ditch the carbon wrap for gloss black paint and adding some silver to the manifoldy looking bits

Love it - nice job!!!

SteveChester · 02-09-2021, 05:24 AM

Nay - would look great in Max Power though

Sasquartch · 02-09-2021, 06:25 AM

Presumably the paint and primer needs to be suitable for flexible plastic ie whatever would be used on bumpers.

I'd imagine it would get pretty hot, would the white paint discolour over time ?

It's not something I'd do but looks like a nice way of dressing the engine compartment

Watsey · 02-09-2021, 06:56 AM

Nay, they're not my thing at all. I don't want to have to clean something that I, or anyone else, will almost never see !

TodmordenLad · 02-09-2021, 07:17 AM

A nay from me. How often do you look under the bonnet?

Alscoob · 02-09-2021, 07:24 AM

I'm all for a smart enginer bay but think this is just a bit much painting plastic.

Polished alloy rocker covers on a V8, now thats different

James-335dx · 02-09-2021, 09:41 AM

:Used to love a bit of Max Power back in the day

I made sure the cover was prepped well, used a plastic primer like you'd use on bumpers etc but standard paint and clear coat. It's been on about 3 years and hasn't discoloured or anything. As it's plastic I don't think it get's that hot.

It's one of those "love it or hate it mods" but I think it looks good and that's what modifying is all about, personal taste

BIFCAIDS · 02-10-2021, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James-335dx

:Used to love a bit of Max Power back in the day

Didn't we all, but that was 17 years ago.

xenon · 02-10-2021, 02:54 AM

nay, nay and thrice nay. Looks crap to my eyes but I'm probably too old.

SuperHamz · 02-10-2021, 03:09 AM

Not for me, it's too big in the middle of the engine bay for it to be the same colour as the car - maybe a contrasting colour, or something subtle.

winther1 · 02-10-2021, 03:24 AM

Gloss black would be more subtle:

Watsey · 02-10-2021, 03:30 AM

IMO painted engine covers just make the rest of the engine bay look dirty.

If the car was being exhibited at shows and you were going to fully detail it, including the engine bay, then maybe.

Apart from that, meh.

Russbmw · 02-10-2021, 03:48 AM

Depends on the car in my opinion.

On something which has been modified a bit externally anyway, looks a bit different from the norm, that goes to shows and enthusiast meetings and the owner is generally a bit OCD about keeping everything sparkling inside and out, then yes (personally I think it looks pretty cool when done properly and with some colour coordination thought). A mate restores and tastefully modifies E28's and they always look amazing, and he generally does little bits of engine bay titivation like this and it always just adds the finishing touch in my view.

If it's on a run of the mill 320d that is used to hammer up and down the M1 daily and do supermarket/dump runs, and the rest of the car and/or engine bay is just grotty......well, it's probably a bit pointless

James' blue one pictured - yes (car looks mint, BTW). The whole engine bay is sparkling.
The black one - not sure why. Glossy black focal point in a sea of dirty hoses and plastics.

winther1 · 02-10-2021, 04:14 AM

Yes, no point in a dirty engine bay. Just showing the gloss black version.
Keeping mine clean year round

GEP77 · 02-10-2021, 05:12 AM

A nay from me.

Can't see the point myself, the only time I have the bonnet up it's likely to be for fluid top ups or for servicing, at which point the engine cover will almost certainly be removed.

But as they say, each to their own, if you like it and can't think of anything better to spend £150 on then go for it.

02-08-2021, 07:06 PM	#1
winther1 Colonel 1863 Rep 2,071 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe with MPPSK Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Painted engine covers - yay or nay? Bored and looking at a making the engine bay a little less dull. For about £150 this guy is painting engine covers with same base and clear coat as exterior. https://www.instagram.com/kustom_covers1/?hl=en Thinking it will be a nice addition: __________________ 440i GC with MPPSK, AP intake, 20" 624 M wheels, Wagner downpipe, Xhp stg 3, BM3 stg 2 instagram: f36_garage
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02-09-2021, 01:33 AM	#2
ian332isport Major 702 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: F31 340i Shadow Edition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Not generally something I like, but painted white on a white car actually looks quite nice.
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02-09-2021, 01:47 AM	#3
Abzynthe Colonel 1405 Rep 2,143 Posts Drives: BMW 440i Gran Coupe LCI Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	It's not my sort of thing, but plenty of people have done it __________________ Previous: 2010 F01 740d M Sport \| 2015 F36 420d M Sport Current: 2018 F36 440i M Sport (Stage 1 BM3, xHP stage 3)
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02-09-2021, 01:56 AM	#4
un1eash Major 516 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Midlands, UK iTrader: (0)	Nay, other then filling the washer fluid I never lift the bonnet these days.
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02-09-2021, 02:56 AM	#5
Bachu1 First Lieutenant 79 Rep 307 Posts Drives: Bmw 330d m sport Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Warwickshire iTrader: (0)	Personally they look ace, its just the same as wrapping the crash bars or calipers, Granted it wont be seen much but it looks ace.
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02-09-2021, 04:44 AM	#6
James-335dx Lieutenant 239 Rep 460 Posts Drives: F30 335d M Performance Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Leicestershire iTrader: (0)	Actually did mine myself a while back. Also I got a spare cover from eBay so if I didn't like it or wanted to swap it back I can do. I think it look's okay though for the cost of some Estoril blue and clear and a bit of wrap Was actually thinking of having a go at redoing it when the weathers a bit warmer. Ditch the carbon wrap for gloss black paint and adding some silver to the manifoldy looking bits Attached Images __________________ [/SIGPIC]
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02-09-2021, 04:47 AM	#7
BIFCAIDS Bird Flu and Cat Aids combined 861 Rep 1,120 Posts Drives: F30 340i M-Sport+ MPPSK E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	I'm out __________________ Instagram: BIFCAIDS
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02-09-2021, 05:24 AM	#9
SteveChester Brigadier General 2450 Rep 4,657 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chester iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW F82 M4 [0.00]	Nay - would look great in Max Power though __________________ Steve Roberts UK F82 M4.
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02-09-2021, 06:25 AM	#10
Sasquartch Major 586 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 520i G30 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Herts iTrader: (0)	Presumably the paint and primer needs to be suitable for flexible plastic ie whatever would be used on bumpers. I'd imagine it would get pretty hot, would the white paint discolour over time ? It's not something I'd do but looks like a nice way of dressing the engine compartment
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02-09-2021, 06:56 AM	#11
Watsey Major General 6463 Rep 8,649 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	Nay, they're not my thing at all. I don't want to have to clean something that I, or anyone else, will almost never see ! __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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02-09-2021, 07:17 AM	#12
TodmordenLad Brigadier General 2865 Rep 3,971 Posts Drives: Audi A4 Avant Join Date: May 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	A nay from me. How often do you look under the bonnet? __________________ Owned: 440i GC LCI with MPPSK, F31 330D M Sport with MPPK, F11 530D SE, F11 520D SE, E61 530D M Sport, E36 325i plus many MB's, Audi's & Volvo's
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02-09-2021, 07:24 AM	#13
Alscoob Brigadier General 2353 Rep 3,266 Posts Drives: G31 540i M Sport Edition Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I'm all for a smart enginer bay but think this is just a bit much painting plastic. Polished alloy rocker covers on a V8, now thats different
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02-09-2021, 09:41 AM	#14
James-335dx Lieutenant 239 Rep 460 Posts Drives: F30 335d M Performance Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Leicestershire iTrader: (0)	:Used to love a bit of Max Power back in the day I made sure the cover was prepped well, used a plastic primer like you'd use on bumpers etc but standard paint and clear coat. It's been on about 3 years and hasn't discoloured or anything. As it's plastic I don't think it get's that hot. It's one of those "love it or hate it mods" but I think it looks good and that's what modifying is all about, personal taste __________________ [/SIGPIC]
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02-10-2021, 02:54 AM	#16
xenon Major General 1442 Rep 8,169 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	nay, nay and thrice nay. Looks crap to my eyes but I'm probably too old. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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02-10-2021, 03:09 AM	#17
SuperHamz Major 737 Rep 1,475 Posts Drives: F31 328i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Middlesex iTrader: (0)	Not for me, it's too big in the middle of the engine bay for it to be the same colour as the car - maybe a contrasting colour, or something subtle. __________________
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02-10-2021, 03:24 AM	#18
winther1 Colonel 1863 Rep 2,071 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe with MPPSK Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Gloss black would be more subtle: __________________ 440i GC with MPPSK, AP intake, 20" 624 M wheels, Wagner downpipe, Xhp stg 3, BM3 stg 2 instagram: f36_garage
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02-10-2021, 03:30 AM	#19
Watsey Major General 6463 Rep 8,649 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	IMO painted engine covers just make the rest of the engine bay look dirty. If the car was being exhibited at shows and you were going to fully detail it, including the engine bay, then maybe. Apart from that, meh. __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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02-10-2021, 03:48 AM	#20
Russbmw Colonel 657 Rep 2,445 Posts Drives: 2018 630iGT sport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Caloundra, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 640i [0.00] 2014 BMW 530d GT [0.00] 2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX [0.00]	Depends on the car in my opinion. On something which has been modified a bit externally anyway, looks a bit different from the norm, that goes to shows and enthusiast meetings and the owner is generally a bit OCD about keeping everything sparkling inside and out, then yes (personally I think it looks pretty cool when done properly and with some colour coordination thought). A mate restores and tastefully modifies E28's and they always look amazing, and he generally does little bits of engine bay titivation like this and it always just adds the finishing touch in my view. If it's on a run of the mill 320d that is used to hammer up and down the M1 daily and do supermarket/dump runs, and the rest of the car and/or engine bay is just grotty......well, it's probably a bit pointless James' blue one pictured - yes (car looks mint, BTW). The whole engine bay is sparkling. The black one - not sure why. Glossy black focal point in a sea of dirty hoses and plastics. __________________ Last edited by Russbmw; 02-10-2021 at 03:55 AM..
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02-10-2021, 04:14 AM	#21
winther1 Colonel 1863 Rep 2,071 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe with MPPSK Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Yes, no point in a dirty engine bay. Just showing the gloss black version. Keeping mine clean year round __________________ 440i GC with MPPSK, AP intake, 20" 624 M wheels, Wagner downpipe, Xhp stg 3, BM3 stg 2 instagram: f36_garage
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02-10-2021, 05:12 AM	#22
GEP77 Major 382 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: South East London iTrader: (1)	A nay from me. Can't see the point myself, the only time I have the bonnet up it's likely to be for fluid top ups or for servicing, at which point the engine cover will almost certainly be removed. But as they say, each to their own, if you like it and can't think of anything better to spend £150 on then go for it.
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