leaving metal natural on parts

[Lynn]

It does not matter what you do, it will not look factory, unless you let it surface rust. I just could't live with that, so I used some high heat engine paint. Normally not a rattle can fan, but DupliColor ceramic 500 degree in cast iron (DE1651) is pretty close to natural metal.

Sandblast, apply paint, and then bake at 500 degrees in a regular ole kitchen oven. If you just said your wife won't let you, then you may as well check yours at the door.

Anyway, this stuff gets as hard as powder coating, but is much thinner, so less likely to chip.