painting the plastic cowling? - Ford Forums

blueoval · 02-29-2004, 18:33

For those that dont know what that is, its the black plastic part between the bonnet and windscreen wipers.

As you know the EA-EB models were a cheapish looking black plastic cowling that faded over a short amount of time.

Im wanting to paint mine to look like new again but am not sure how to go about it.

What gloss should I paint it? semi-gloss? high gloss?

How do I prepare the surface for painting? I have some plastic primer, but do I need to surface prep before putting the primer on it?

Please give your experienced suggestions.

XRated · 02-29-2004, 19:28

Can't help you, but I was wondering whether you are going to do it black again or body-coloured? I've been meaning to do mine for a while now too.

blueraven · 02-29-2004, 19:31

My fiance's brother painted his white - the body colour. Although he didn't get carried away with doing it really professional, it still looks good.

NZ · 02-29-2004, 19:40

I just cleaned mine with grease and wax remover then gave it a few light coats with Matt black. I don't like the glossy look as cars never come out painted like that. Hasn't chipped yet after a few car washes. It does really improve the look of the car too.

Blueoval: is your car eb series 1? The series 2 EB has the different plastic bit.

blueoval · 02-29-2004, 19:49

NZ - it a series 1 EB. I never really liked the full gloss look. I was thinking semi-gloss or low sheen in black.

Chad_XF · 02-29-2004, 20:16

So if its EB 1 its still the same as the EA piece, isnt it?
Anyway I did mine a fair while back, I didnt want flat or gloss so I got satin!
all I did was clean the surface (as said wax n grease remover) (shouldnt be any flakey paint, but if so get rid of it)
and sprayed it black, a few light coats then a heavier coat (not to heavy) there is no need for primers because the paint sticks well to the plastic.

blueoval · 02-29-2004, 20:42

Chad - I would assume its the same as the EA's but not sure. It doesnt look painted in any way nor was it painted when I bought it.

No plastic primer? I didnt think that was possible.

Where did you get the wax n grease remover from? what brand was it?

cogo_81 · 03-01-2004, 00:34

I painted mine with 2-pak gloss black, I just used some scotch brite and wax and grease remover, you dont have to use plastic primmer but it is recomended if it is bare plastic.

blueoval · 03-01-2004, 05:54

Ok thanks cogo. Im not sure on whether mine is bare plastic or if its been made that way from the factory. I have some plastic primer left over from something I did earlier. Im gonna give it a go this weekend to see how it turns out!

Do I need a clear sealer over the top after its dried or will semi-gloss be sufficient as is?

Walkinshaw · 03-01-2004, 06:06

can you change the EA/EB1 cowl to the EB2==>EL style? (please say yes)