I would like to know if anyone know of any company that sells sheet metal wheel well for a 5th gen. I want to paint the engine compartment and rather than clear coat those factory plastic well, I would like the wheel well to match the color of the compartment.

Don't know of anyone making steel ones...they would be nice though. Painted my plastic ones, bought a plastic prep from the body paint house and used it on the wells first. So far, after two years still holding up.

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/acauth1/engine2.jpg

Hey Fl Elky,

As far as I know, there were no stamped metal wheel wells made for the 5th generation.

I seem to remember (it's been a while) plastic and steel for the 4th generation - the earlier had steel which was later replaced with plastic for weight / fuel economy purposes.

The plastic can be prepped, sanded smooth and painted like any other part of the car. Make sure you use a good "Prep-Sol" type cleaner, sand it very well with 180-220 grit sandpaper and use plastic / urethane bumper primer before painting. The finish can be as durable as any other painted surface on the car.

I would not recommend painting the underside as rocks from the tires will chip the finish in short order, but for under the hood, don't be afraid to paint. If you are unfamiliar with the plastic / rubber parts finishing, try to seek out advice from a local body shop or automotive paint supplier as to the best primer / sealer to use. There are also pre-primer solvents out there that help the primer / paint "bite" into the plastic, making the finish even more durable - again, ask a professional. The prep is the most important part - the finish is just like any other paint work - you can even clear coat if needed.

Good Luck and let us know how you make out . . .

Dan

Thanks for the info guys. That is a nice engine compartment acauth l. I agree with 60 el cam that prep is everything. I will look into how the local body shops around here do it. Worst of all, I can try it and if it doesn't work at first, I will geive it another try.

Having metal ones would not be worth the extra weight.

Having metal ones would not be worth the extra weight.

Good point!

make some all you need s some decent sheet metal workin skills and a shop its pretty easy or just take plans to a fab shop custome design them yourself so if there is any made you can have custom ones to brag about lol





git r done or blower up tryin