Well I've owned a 3cv since early 1991 and its now looking a little tatty ...especially the engine paint ...so time to check in here and see whats hints tips and tricks i can use to improve things :scratch_one-s_head:
Welcome aboard Urx :good2:
A tatty engine is relatively easily deal with. Firstly, with careful masking, the engine can stay in the frame. Secondly, you don't need to get rid of the old paint "back to bare metal" to get a great finish. And finally, Simoniz Gloss Black Engine Enamel is readily available and the perfect paint for the job.
Definitely, if you're leaving the engine in the frame, take off as many parts around the engine as possible (all bodywork, down-tubes, carbs etc etc) and bung up any holes before you start on rubbing down the engine exterior (obviously give it a thorough clean and degrease beforehand). When I did mine, I used a combination of wire brushes on a cordless drill, various grades of scotchbrite pads and fin grade emery paper/wet & dry.
Again, masking is crucial to getting a good finish and I also repainted all of the engine covers, off the engine (including the cam cover) so I could get a good finish.
I also used clear engine lacquer (spray) on the unpainted parts of the engine covers - be careful with those, they don't need to be "polished" before lacquering, but finished carefully with fine grade wet and dry (and lots of water) - the lacquer provides the factory-finish shine.
As long as you have patience and don't rush it (and definitely, polish your fin edges after painting :sarcastic:), you can get a finish that's as good as new.
Here's a few photo's of my repainted engine /covers.
(https://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_06_20_4_46_41.jpeg)
Nice work there
I have several bikes & cars so it's ok to strip things down
Time and space are my enemies as the garage is stuffed