What paint should I use on the compressor assembly?

[collecture]

I have the compressor to my WB60 broken down and ready to paint. What spray bomb can I use?
Thanks in advance for the inputs!

[johnieG]

I use a semi-gloss black on most of my compressors, but hammer-tone black or dark gray looks very nice too,  ( if you're not to worried about "originality")  if the evaporator is clean, you can leave it as-is, or I like to use cast-aluminum wheel spray enamel  ( for automobile tire rims), or hammer-tone silver.

Note of caution about the evaporator, be very careful about the line that connects the suction line to the evaporator, on this style of Westinghouse evaporator, the brazing at the entry point to the evaporator & the large accumulator ( large copper sausage-shaped thing on the right side in the picture)is very weak and will break in a heartbeat... don't lift/twist/ or pull on the accumulator..or you will find out what I mean..

[collecture]

Johnnie - is there any concern with regards to the temperature of the compressor (i.e. high temp paint) ??

[Yarochrehc]

The paint should not hurt the compressor.

[bubba]

I just used Rustoleum Rust Neutralizer on the compressor and evaporator from that drink fountain I got from Signguy.. I have been running it a bit on and off and that paint has held up to the heat well.  It adheres to a bit of dirt and stops any further rusting. I'm pretty impressed with the finish and durability. I don't think you need to worry about high heat paint.

[tkaz]

If you want paint that'll hold up to the heat, try the Dupli-color engine enamel, its about the same price as any other spray can, and works great (I did my whole engine with it).  As for the paint standing up to the heat of the compressor, I've used Rustoleum semi-gloss black and had no problems at all in the past.  I actually just took out a compressor that over-heated and died, and the paint still looked great on it.

[SIGNGUY]

I've found that pretty much all standard Rusoleum type paints will hold up just fine, If you compressor is Getting SO hot that it melts your paint, I think you have OTHER issues to worry about first
If they are running correctly they shouldn't get that hot to require a high heat paint.
2 cents

[collecture]

Well I finished it up today and installed it.
Thanks for all the responses. I went with the Rustoleum black semi gloss for the compressor & condenser and Dupli Color silver for the evap. I think it looks great!

[johnieG]

And just what makes you think that you'll get away with only posting the insides of this sweet looking machine hmmm?       we need to see this beauty full-frontal! 

[collecture]

Not much to see on that side yet. I am waiting on the marquee and I've got to do the selection panel and decals. I've also got some other odds and ends to tidy up, but it is getting close. 

[Pat Pixley]

Tom, I like the  clean look of the compressor area  looks great so far. And like John said we need to see more pictures..

[collecture]

Thanks!
I have some issues to work through before I reveal the complete machine, but it will be worth the wait. I've taken lots of pictures!

I found a cheap WB60 on CL and was able to get the seller to part out from that machine a selector panel with an unbroken dial, a light-up assembly, an extra vend motor and all switches. My machine originally had a broken dial and a painted marquee (which is currently painted all white), but I have an idea for a light-up sign now that I have found one. I am still waiting on all of the stuff to get here and then I'll have to wait some more for my sign panel to come to life.

I also noticed when putting my vend mech together that the bearing plate on the left side had some distortion of the hole that the Drive Bar pivots in (the right is slightly oblong too).  I had a vend mech from a pushbutton 78 that utilized the same bearing plates (and they are nice), so I broke it down last night and will send those two pieces in to be plated next trip to the plating company.

There are a few other minor odds & ends to do too.

I think I am about 1 month out from completion and I really can't wait.

[Creighton]

That is already looking top notch. Great job!!
Creighton

[SIGNGUY]

That is already looking top notch. Great job!!
Creighton

After seeing Tom's work on the coin mechs, I have no doubt that this will be a showcase machine when done.. will be nice to see it finished.. Great work!

[collecture]

Thanks for the votes of confidence! I think it has come together really well so far.

A lot has been learned from this being my first full complete restoration. I have broken down countless machines and restored many mechs, but there is quite a bit more to think about in a full restoration. I have done a lot of it myself, but it is still expensive when you add it all up - soda blast, painter, powder coating, zinc plating, supplies/parts/decals. I think it took me longer to break it down though than to put it back together and I thank the board for giving me the knowledge to take it slow with lots of pics, notes & ziplock baggies. I had all of the original screws replated and that was a challenge in itself getting everything matched back up with their respective threads. However, I not only restored the machine, but I have a more complete understanding of exactly what does what on the machine. Thanks again to all that input their knowledge here!!

I got excited yesterday that I had a NOS Westy evap motor for it - exact number match (Y-13966)....and it purrrrrs. Wasn't so lucky with the evap, but the original still runs well. I plugged it in today and, with some adjustments of the cut-in and cut-out on the original Cutler-Hammer T-stat, it cooled to 25 degrees in 45 minutes on the #1 setting (90 degrees outside). The machined cycled between 25 & 37  about once or twice in an hour. Can't ask for much more!

Johnie - here is what the front looks like as of today. You'll have to wait on the final design!

Oops! Forgot the evap area..

[bubba]

Thats awesome Tom.. really looks nice.

[Ltransam]

  D A    Thats  S W E E T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pat Pixley]

Looks great Tom can't wait to see it done.  .