Paint for PS & coolant expansion Reservoirs

[lreppond]

In my continuing quest to get my engine bay detailed, it’s time to paint the PS fluid reservoir and the coolant expansion tank.  I’m assuming both are in satin black?  I’m also assuming the expansion tank will require heat resistant/radiator paint.  But what about the PS reservoir? 

For those of you that have done, any recommendations on brands you’ve used.  I have some Rustoleum high temp satin black for BBQ’s.  Is that ok?  I know Eastwood makes a high temp radiator paint. Would that be more durable? 

Finally, is the wing nut on the PS reservoir, unpainted, or painted black or red.  I’ve seen so-called “Holy Grail” cars all three ways.   

[Pinder]

I painted my Coolant overflow tank using Eastwood paints. I think it was there engine paint 600 F temp. I used the same paint for the engine block and power steering reservoir . Rustolem would work but i think it would be better to use a catalyzed paint. Eastwood now has that in a handy Spray can that you use and it has the hardner inside it and before you use it you press the red button on the base to release it and mix it with the paint part of it then spray away. I painted my engine bay etc back in 2015 or 2016. still holding up find. the Catalyzed paint will resist gasoline and other solvents.

[mbpaul]

On my 1966 230SL that I have owned since new, the wing nut is painted black.

[zak]

The only red in my engine compartment are the oil dip stick handle and the battery holder.

jz

[Pinder]

my wingnut on the power steering reservoir was and is unpainted.  this is on a 1970 280SL my 1969 also was unpainted.

[wwheeler]

I doubt that the wingnut was left unpainted, else it would rust as it left the factory. It is probably a clear zinc finish which looks like similar to bare steel. That is about the same finish as the bolts you see in a hardware store. Mercedes left very few parts on these cars bare metal. Interestingly, I just finished restoring the driveshaft on the '70 Roadrunner. The entire driveshaft is bare metal and rusted as it left the factory. I used an Eastwood "bare steel" spray paint to simulate raw metal. American cars of that era had TONS of parts left bare metal. A shocking number in fact.

Speaking of Eastwood, they do have a good paint that is durable and has the approximate gloss level of the parts you are asking about. It is Satin Chassis Black Extreme. It is a non-catalyzed paint but takes a few days to harden. That is actually a good thing and speaks to its durability.         

[MikeSimon]

What is red on the battery holder??? Gloss and semi-gloss black paints are hard to find in a heat-resistant variety. VHS makes some.

[wwheeler]

I use the Eastwood chassis black extreme on my radiator tanks and never had any issues for several years. It is probably near its max temp range, but is doing well.

[lreppond]

I enlarged a photo of the PS fluid reservoir and zoomed in on the wing nut.  I then went for a direct look with the aid of a magnifying glass. There is visible paint in the corners where fingers would not have rubbed.  At least on my late build 71, it came with the wing nut matching the paint of the reservoir.

Thanks to all who added to this thread. I’ve ended up with Eastwood Chassis Black Extreme in both the primer and finish.  I will post pix when completed. 

[Pinder]

Thats good info on the wing nut. Im going to have to go paint mine now.

[johnk]

I would imagine many of the original wing nuts may have been lost over the years and replaced with non-painted ones.

[49er]

 A little late to the party but here are some photos of mine. I have included the photo of the engine bay when new as well. Paint is a bit more shiny now after being wiped clean over and over through the years.

John

[TJMart]

A little late to the party but here are some photos of mine. I have included the photo of the engine bay when new as well. Paint is a bit more shiny now after being wiped clean over and over through the years.

John

John,

I noticed in your photo of your expansion tank that there is a rubber hose connected to the curved drain pipe. I assume this was original to the late model 280 SL? If so how long is it and where does it drain to?

Thanks

Tony

[49er]

Hi Tony, good catch. The car did not come with a hose so I stuck that one on. It is about a foot long and  just runs down the side the frame by the cowl drain.

John

[Jonny B]

The small hose off the expansion tank is a fairly common add on. If the cooling system pressures a bit and lifts the seat on the tank cap it makes a mess. The little hose prevents that. And if you are in a concours, it is so simple to pull off.

[wwheeler]

Looks like the PS reservoir wing nut is a clear zinc plate with a touch of oxidation in John's pic.   

[zak]

Mike S, my battery holder is painted red, like the oil dip stick.
Both the top horizontal top battery holder bars and the vertical hold down arms.
The battery tray is black.
I guess the PO liked it ?
jz