Prepping the engine compartment for re-instal

With the engine completed, I started to work on the engine compartment.  I wiped everything down with thinner to remove the grease, and sanded the surfaces with Scotchbrite.  I removed the lights and as many pieces as I could.  I taped off the wires and put a drop cloth over the transmission and suspension.  I sprayed the compartment with a single step paint system I have been using.  I have had great luck with this system and it is reasonably priced.  It's call 2nd Dimension.  It's an acrylic enamel with a hardener.  Covers great and is really tough.

After painting, I installed new engine air seals around the engine tins, I resealed and installed the fuel tank cover, and I reinstalled some of the electrical.  Next I topped of the transmission fluid.  It was only down a 1/2 pint or so.

 

I removed the starter, cleaned it up with a thinner wipe, painted it with a nice coat of flat black grill paint, cleaned up the electrical terminals, reinstalled the starter and then greased the electrical connections at the starter as well.  Should be good for a long time.  Someone has been in this bus doing lots of work, the starter is a re-manufactured BOSCH.  Every time I uncover something, I discover it has been replaced and is in pretty good condition.  I am very fortunate to have this many new parts on my bus.  It is making my work much easier (and cheaper!).
Next steps: a bit more wiring, tail lights reinstalled, and then I need to make new insulation panels for the upper engine compartment.  The OG (Original German) panels have warped and bowed.  It just wouldn't be right to put it back together with those old crappy panels.  After that, the engine goes back in.  Can't wait.