how to prep and Paint the lower unit
 

Well my Bravo 1 lower unit is now 11 years old and from sitting in dry storage in a salt water area by the previous owner it has started to show some hefty corrosion through its finish. I would like to know if anyone has a procedure for how to properly sand/prep/paint the unit so it is restored to a nice looking clean finish. My main issue is the corrosion around the bolts because i do not want to break the seal by removing them and risk any leaks. Any help is appreciated!

The proper way would be to get down to bare aluminum, then etch with Alumaprep 33. Alodine coating; after that, epoxy primer and the top coat of your choice.

Jeff

I've heard this question a lot lately. If you can get your hands on Mercury Service Manual #39 Bravo Sterndrives 3A-B Driveshaft housing. Page 3B-47 & 3B-48 the section is driveshaft housing assembly: teardown, inspection and repair. Mercury has the hole procedure for painting and they list the epoxy primer and catalyst Ditzler code numbers. The paint they list is Ditzler Urethane DU9000 for Mercury Black. If you are thinking of repainting drives its worth reading.

I will try to pick up one of those manuals. The process seems very time consuming are there any places around that do this kind of work? I would rather have a professional do it because paint work is not my specialty and I want it to look good and serve it perpose.

It is only a few spots where the corrosion is poping through could it be the mercathode is not functioning properly? I wash it with soap and water after every ride unfortuantelly what is on it is was there when I bought the boat its just an eye sore I want to take care of.

Best way is to take it off and take it to a body shop.

I prepped and painted one of mine several years ago: sand, sand, sand, primer, primer, sand, paint, sand, paint, sand, paint, clear sand, clear, sand. etc. etc. etc. ...still didn't look that good.

I took a drive and a two 380 trim tabs to my buddy at his body shop last year, and for $100 bucks, the only thing I complained about was the fact that the OTHER drive on my boat now looked like crap compared to how the new paint turned out.

I sanded and sanded and sanded. Then I liked the way they looked so I left them. No more paint falling off the lowers.Attachment 464797

Just curious.
I have seen the lowers polished.
My question is -
Is it also possible to polish the uppers to match?

Can't say I have seen it done, but that does not mean it is not possible.

YES but read post above yours. sanded and sanded and sanded. Lower is rounded and easier to sand, top has a lot of hand to reach corners. You will need a lot of time and patience

Where is around? I am in WI if that is around. Im not a wrench but can take care of the prep and paint.

what do you coat the lower with once you get it to this stage ??

sanding is the easy time consuming part. After that send it to be powdercoated or paint booth

on polishung the uppers, they are not in the water at speed. the paint surface won't slow you down. no sense spending upkeep time keeping them polished.

I didn't coat them with anything yet. I'm in fresh water and the boat never sits over night in the water. I'm not sure how they will react. I haven't had the boat out yet to see. If they do discolor, a little sand paper will clean them up and then I may have to coat them.

nice job ,that looks great