Bakes168 15 #1 Posted April 21, 2016 Hey everyone, I'm new here, really enjoying all the info on this site. We're restoring a '72 Commando 800 for my mom. After much reading and contemplation I decided to go with Sherwin Williams Sher Kem paint in International Harvester Red, looks like others have used it to great success. I'm planning on painting the head with a high temp paint in a dull silver or gray, but wondered if the Sher Kem would stand up to the heat on the fins of the engine block itself. Anyone have experience with this paint or any other type failing from the heat? Zack Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,468 #2 Posted April 21, 2016 I'd think a good auto quality paint will hold up just fine on engine blocks and tins. As for the head, I'd stay with raw aluminum for heat transfer. The Kem paint will insulate it. You don't want that. OE Kohlers had unpainted heads. As for the exhaust, I'd consider a wood burning stove black paint or auto header paint. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatboy 565 #3 Posted April 21, 2016 lol the closest match besides wheel horse paint in rattle can you can get at any dealer,, is rustoleum "Regal Red" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,468 #4 Posted April 21, 2016 6 minutes ago, Phatboy said: lol the closest match besides wheel horse paint in rattle can you can get at any dealer,, is rustoleum "Regal Red" I prefer the IH red as the perfect match. It matches nearly perfect to original WH red that has not been sun faded. Regal Red is super close though, but a hair darker. I'd give it a very close second. This deck is IH Red, the tractor is original paint. This dash is Regal Red, as a comparison. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #5 Posted April 21, 2016 What a paint job Ranger.......that is impressive....!!!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,143 #6 Posted April 21, 2016 Ditto what he said... both post #4, and 5. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shynon 7,474 #7 Posted April 21, 2016 Sher kem applied to the engine block, is holding up fine, burning paint around the exhaust port. Going to fire up the 1045 today for it's inaugural 1 hr run will post pics later of how it holds up on a big block 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,468 #8 Posted April 21, 2016 Looks great Shynon! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #9 Posted April 21, 2016 13 hours ago, Shynon said: Sher kem applied to the engine block, is holding up fine, burning paint around the exhaust port. Going to fire up the 1045 today for it's inaugural 1 hr run will post pics later of how it holds up on a big block Shynon....i have ta ask....in the back of your tow hitch...the silver part that the cart hooks to......I need one....do you or anyone have an extra????? i am trailer less at the moment....and at this distance....those hub caps looks day 1 old... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shynon 7,474 #10 Posted April 22, 2016 Here it is after 1hr break in run at 3600 rpm. 10 hp kohler with sher kem IH red. Burned paint off down to bare cast iron. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prondzy 3,883 #11 Posted April 22, 2016 Simple answer is No, the only way you will never burn paint off the motor is to not run the engine and push it aroud. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bakes168 15 #12 Posted April 23, 2016 I was hoping you'd reply Shynon, I appreciate the feedback. That small amount of burnt paint around the exhaust doesn't bother me, I was more concerned with the rest of the engine cooling fins around the cylinder. Both of yours look like they're holding up great! I really hope our restore turns out that nice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites