Pit Stop Performance head, cylinder and case refinishing procedure.

The following is the procedure followed for refinishing cast exterior engine parts.

The procedure as written is to apply a silver finish to the parts. The procedure can also be used to apply a flat black engine finish (1973 Z1) or the semi gloss engine finish (1978 Z1R). The only change is the paint that is applied.

• The parts are first cleaned thoroughly to remove any grease, dirt and oil.
• Following cleaning, all holes are blown out with compressed air.
• In preparation for glass beading, all of the threaded holes must have bolts installed.
• This is to keep glass beads from being packed into the holes.
• It will not prevent glass beads from entering the holes, but it will prevent
  a large quantity from entering the threaded holes.
• Next the part is bead blasted using a coarse abrasive.
• I use Skat Magic which leaves a pretty rough finish.
• This will remove what is left of the factory paint and provide a
  clean porous surface for painting.
• Next all the bolts are removed and the part is solvent cleaned again.
• While in the cleaning solvent, a tap (the correct size for each thread) is run into each
  threaded hole.
• This will loosen any glass beads which entered the holes, as well as clean up any
  damaged threads.
• Following the thread chasing, WD40 is used with a tube on the nozzle to clean out
  the threaded holes.
• Push the tube all the way to the bottom of the holes several times to completely
  clean out the holes.
• Continue cleaning with solvent to remove all traces of the WD40.
• When the solvent cleaning is finished, remove the solvent using soapy water.
• I like to use Dawn dishwashing detergent.
• It cuts grease and oil well.
• Once this is complete, the part should be rinsed with water.
• Finally, the part is dried using compressed air.
• Each threaded hole should be blown out.
• A thin blower extension should be used so that the compressed air can be introduced
  at the bottom of the threaded holes.
• That way the loose material can be forced out the holes from the bottom.
• Once this cleaning is complete, the part is ready for painting.
• Heat the part to 500 degrees Fahrenheit,
  While still hot, apply Harley Davidson high temperature silver paint
  (part number 98660-78) if the finish is to be silver.
• This is very critical.
• By applying the paint hot, the adhesion is vastly improved.
• This coat of paint will look similar to a glass beaded surface, it will retain a porous
  appearance.
• Allow the part to cool to room temperature.
• The second coat of paint is applied at room temperature.
• This application will give you the shiny deep silver finish that you desire.
• Allow 24 hours to pass.
• Finally, heat the part to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours minimum.
• This final step will cure the paint and toughen it.
• After the part cools, it is ready for assembly.