Hydrographics

[jimbo01]

I just thought I'd share a picture of my c-4 bell housing and 302 timing cover that I had hydro dipped with a Carbon Fiber pattern. It's called hydrographics or water transfer printing. The reason I had this done was because a chrome timing cover isn't available (after all these years) and I had probably close to 40 hours into polishing the bell housing and the results just weren't cutting it for me. I was looking for something other then paint or powder coat. This stuff will withstand temperatures of 700 degrees and has a clear coat finish and there are several patterns to choose from. I just thought I'd throw this out there as an alternative to paint or powder coat.

 

[railroad]

Great option. How about posting some details on cost and procedures.
thanks,

 

[fordsbyjay]

I have been thinking of doing some parts myself so more info would be greatly appreciated. It looks fantastic btw.

 

[jimbo01]

I probably should have listed this thread under another section but wasn't sure where it should have went.

This is what the bell housing looked like (inside & out) before I polished it. The second picture is the best I could get it after several hours of polishing. I suspect the main reason I couldn't get it looking the best may be because it's a cast part.
I'm posting a direct link to the site that offers the process and pricing. I was able to check out there shop and watch the whole process while I was there and I'll tell you it was pretty neat. I also got more ideas as I was looking through some of the other hot rod parts that where there. One of the things that I happened to see was a steering wheel that another customer had done. It was an original wheel off of a 30 or 40's car and what the customer had them do was add a wood grain to the wheel part of the wheel and left the center section as original. He also had them use the same pattern on his interior trim.
The turn around time was about a week. If the parts are large with several curves or contours there may have to be a seam. I removed casting lines around the outside of the timing cover as they would have shown. I used a 4 1/2 grinder with a sanding disk and you would never know it. They claim that scratches and pits will show so a little extra prep on your part may be needed or your price will most likely increase. Anyway, I hope this helps and offers some answers to your questions. I'm happy with the outcome. Not a bad finish for a couple of parts that are 45 years old.

This is the link to the shop that did the work for me. http://aquagraffix.com/index.html

 

[railroad]

The list of patterns is quite extensive. I'll bet their list is the tip of the iceberg for what is on the market. The wood grains are impressive.

 

[jimbo01]

The list of patterns is quite extensive. I'll bet their list is the tip of the iceberg for what is on the market. The wood grains are impressive.

The wood grain steering wheel that I looked at was pretty darn convincing. They also do wheels and they looked pretty nice as well. Sounds like they can cover just about any material including fiberglass. When I picked up my parts, I asked them how hard radius were. They can do them but there will be a seam. The hamster in my head got the wheel a turning and I was thinking about hair pins and radius rods. The only bad thing about this whole situation is they are an hour and a half from me. I like the people and it's a family owned business of a father and two sons. I like that and I've a feeling that I'll be seeing them again in the future.

 

[fordsbyjay]

Jim is that the high gloss finish?

 

[jimbo01]

Jim is that the high gloss finish?

Yes it has a high gloss finish. If you're thinking about having it done you'll have to choose what finish, color and pattern. It's a tough call when you're there looking at all the finished pieces that someone else has had done.

 

[fordsbyjay]

I really want to do my oil pan in one of those skulls.

 

[RocknT]

Their is a new skull out and one called Venom I have the venom on order .. to check out ,,if I like it I will do my air scoop,,look at this skull it to me is the best looking and a larger print than most,,
most skull patterns are small and to me don't look right on large parts ,, example of most skull pattern size is like what I did to my 22
http://www.shawnaughtydesignz.com/

 

[putz]

This site has skulls in 2 different sizes bigger ones look cool.
http://www.raindancehydrographics.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=67

 

[RocknT]

Wtp445 is the ones on the 22