Evo160K

Al,

No real reason to separate the head form the arm, even for painting.  Those bolts are usually very tight, almost like lock tight.  As to paint, you might try a heat lamp on the machine after you have painted it.  Cheaper than sending it out. 

I would just spray can it with black lacquer once you have primed it real good with a sandable heavy primer.  Make sure if you use black lacquer after you prime it that the lacquer will not lift or bubble your primer.   test it on something.  If it does, use black  gloss enamel , then clear coat over it after you have applied any decals

glenn