I have my outdrive off and I wanted to paint it since it needs it bad. I wanted to know what people use including techniques and also what kind of success they've had with them. I was doing a little reasearch online and read to sand the outdrive with aluminum oxide sand paper. Is this different than using just normal 120 grit sandpaper to prep? Also what does everyone use an orbital sander? Basically a step by step of what material to use to sand and paint with would be great.

Anybody?

I had mine sandblasted and then used a high quality automotive primer and paint

wow a bit antsy 45 min after post follow up post asking for a answer. LOL

here is a link to some decent information.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...ive-paint.html

If you go onto Mercs site you can get the recommended stuff.

I used the system Klaw outlined on my drives and it seems to be tough as nails and looks great. I also used this system to paint a motorcycle frame, wheels,engine and front fork lowers on a restoration project. No complaints

Thanks to everyone for the replies, I'm tryin to do as much research as I can so when I actually paint it hopefully it comes out looking good. It's a longer process then I originally thought but I'm glad i'm learning the little details that make the project look great in the end. Everyone in this site has always been very helpful

Its all about the prep work. Sandblasting is ideal if you can.

I just did two. Its tough to avoid dry spray. Make a bracket and mount it to an engine stand. Paint it upside down. is you factory paint peeling of real bad? If so strip it down 2k primer then paint with a Urethane Enamel. Oh and getting your old stickers off its a PITA!

depending on how bas it is, but i remember the old man had some stuff in a rattle can that he touched up the drives every spring with. Looked good and last most of the summer