what's the trick to getting the lower portion of the drive to keep paint. I have even sprayed on the special paint that is supposedly just for drives and props, but after a couple of times out, it is off again. Maybe there is some prep work i need to do to the aluminum first before painting?? thanks

I'm not sure where you are going wrong, but I painted mine last year and they are still in pretty good shape. I sanded them with 320 grit wet/dry paper (wet), wiped them with paint thinner to get the dust and grease off, wiped again with a tack rag to get any remaining dust, used gray primer and then painted them. Several light coats, until I got a good cover.

well, i think my problem is i never sanded or prepped at all, just painted, i'll have to try again, i didn't use any primer either

sand it well with 320 of finer, you can usr rougher to get the paint ridge nocked down but then go to 320 or 400. Then prime with zinc cromate primer, you can get it at any west marine or place like it. Then you can use the rattle can merc phantom black with several nice even coats, let it tack up good between coats and you can go pretty heavy without haveing to worry about it sagging.

thanks for the info

Too Old's method is a better option, the rattle can thing is more doable for most DIY'ers

PPG DP-40 is an excellent zinc chromate epoxy primer. You can finish it with their Durethane and have a super hard long lasting polyurethane finish.