[Stevo077]

Hows it going guys. Im thinking about powder coating my alternator and ac compressor. Anyone done this before? I know you would have to dis assemble them so you can just get the casing done since they get baked. Probably gonna do my ac lines as well, since they dont look to sharp. Got quoted by a local shop $20 per accessory and their brackets. I just dont know how big of a hassle it would be to take off the case, or if i should just spray paint them instead.

[1988 convertible]

Originally Posted by Stevo077 Hows it going guys. Im thinking about powder coating my alternator and ac compressor. Anyone done this before? I know you would have to dis assemble them so you can just get the casing done since they get baked. Probably gonna do my ac lines as well, since they dont look to sharp. Got quoted by a local shop $20 per accessory and their brackets. I just dont know how big of a hassle it would be to take off the case, or if i should just spray paint them instead.

thats a pretty damn good price...

ive taken a 3G alternator apart and it was pretty simple to put back together... only issue was taking out the bearings inside but a bit of grease and some gentle tapping with a screwdriver made it easier... to get the pulley off the front you will need a set of grips and an impact wrench (i have a hand held electric one from WOLF cheap and good for other jobs)

if the AC compressor is gassed up you will have empty that of pressure. theres usually a little bleed screw on the AC lines... if you decide to do it yourself be aware the gasses are harmful so use a long screwdriver or a long pointy stick (real technical tools lol) cover your eyes face away from the valve and press it till the gas is completely expelled from the system... after that you should be ok to unbolt it (the bottom front bolt is a bit fiddly so have some WD40 handy)

when you remove the lines be careful of the liquid inside as that is fairly dangerous too... mine was bright green like some radiated liquid or something...

i wouldnt bother powdering the lines as the heat might be too much n they may crack but you could try? before i ripped mine out i sprayed some black VHT paint on it and lasted 3yrs before i ripped all the AC out...

[curtisboyte]

i have thought about doing the same thing since i have a powder coating system, i looked into taking the compressor apart and there is a lot of parts but looks like it can be done. I got a price of 10 bucks to take apart and put back together my alternator after i do it. Show some pics when your done.

[Mustang Boy]

Originally Posted by 1988 convertible thats a pretty damn good price... ive taken a 3G alternator apart and it was pretty simple to put back together... only issue was taking out the bearings inside but a bit of grease and some gentle tapping with a screwdriver made it easier... to get the pulley off the front you will need a set of grips and an impact wrench (i have a hand held electric one from WOLF cheap and good for other jobs) if the AC compressor is gassed up you will have empty that of pressure. theres usually a little bleed screw on the AC lines... if you decide to do it yourself be aware the gasses are harmful so use a long screwdriver or a long pointy stick (real technical tools lol) cover your eyes face away from the valve and press it till the gas is completely expelled from the system... after that you should be ok to unbolt it (the bottom front bolt is a bit fiddly so have some WD40 handy) when you remove the lines be careful of the liquid inside as that is fairly dangerous too... mine was bright green like some radiated liquid or something... i wouldnt bother powdering the lines as the heat might be too much n they may crack but you could try? before i ripped mine out i sprayed some black VHT paint on it and lasted 3yrs before i ripped all the AC out...

It should be noted that venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and carries a hefty fine. If you want to take the compressor apart take your car to an A/C shop and have them evacuate the system for you(shouldn't cost much) and when you are done bring it back to them and have them charge it back up again(will cost though).

[Stevo077]

I think im going to wait to do it until i throw a 3g alt on it. One of my ac lines had an o ring bust so i dont have to worry about uncharging it. lol. I thought it was a pretty decent price as well. I havent really thought of powder coating stuff on my mustang, and didnt see any threads on here about it. It seems to be a real easy way to dress up your engine.