I ordered my Hooker Super Comp Shorties yesterday. They aren't coated, they just have the black paint. I cant afford to have them coated right now but is there anything else I can do to keep them looking good? I dont want ugly headers Thanks!!

 

Try http://www.por15.com/hightempcoatings.html/ I know they have a high temp exhaust coating, never used it myself but I think a few others have. Thats what I plan to use when I get my next set of headers

 

Dead link

 

The link was right just had a extra slash on the end.

http://www.por15.com/hightempcoatings.html

 

Try some VHT high temp (like 1600*) paint. The headers have to be clean or the paint won't stick, so they need to be sandblasted, or use paint stripper to get ALL the factory paint off, and then paint them with the VHT. It seems to work well if the headers are nice and clean when it is put on.

 

Can I get this stuff from the auto parts store? I dont really have time to order anything since I'm really want to get them installed the day before I'm going out of town for a while.

 

Yes, most auto parts stores should have this stuff. It might not be VHT, but it is something similar. Just look for high temp header/exhaust paint.

 

Ok, thanks for the help.

Hopefully I can get them painted and have them installed before I go to the beach!!

 

Caution: That black paint needs to be removed completely before you apply the high temp paint. Sand blasting is the best approach there.

Then, the metal surface must be completely free of oils, including finger oils. Laquer thinner works well for that.

Then, the paint has to be "cured" at about 400 degrees before the headers are installed. Most ovens aren't big enough for the y-pipe, but the headers themselves will fit. The fumes that come off of the paint will gag you for sure, so bake them when you can be out of the house and all the windows can be opened.

 

Rubbing alchol is another thing that can be used to clean the heeders. That is what I used. The paint on mine are 1500*. It is still there. Make sure when you put the first coat on you put it on thin. And do not paint where the gasket goes!! I have yet to see but I have been told that the gaskets will stick to the headers and make it very hard to get off. But like I was saying after the first thin coat, go one more thin than go heavy. Just don't go to slow with the paint can, or you wil get runs. Take your time and they should turn out great. Mine have. And like it was stated, use an oven to cure. Good Luck.

 

Buying wire looms, wire separators and heat sleeving also helps to protect things.

 

90* Wire boots. REMBER THAT!! I didn't and almost was not able to drive my car! And get a starter wrap or shield. Good call mark.