I've just about got my motor out to change a head gasket and the oil pan but the parts won't be hear for a couple more days so I figured that I'd try to paint my headers to kill some time. Right now they have that classic rusty looks that I'm sure that most of us are familiar with. I might have access to a sand blaster but that is not sure for sure, so what would be that next best way to prep them? Just some sand paper and some sweat? Does anyone know if someone makes a high temp primer or wil I be safe with just paint on metal? Any pics would be great too.

Thanks,
Tom

 

Alot of people talk about that 'POR-15' or whatever it is. Supposedly seals it so that NO oxygen gets to the rust, so it's not a problem anymore. I'd look into that, but I'm not sure where you can buy that at.... Simple as paint on with a brush though.

 

I have slp's and all I did was sandblast em, wipe em with lacquer thinner and spray them with silver high temp paint. Turned out great!

 

Sandblast is the only way to get rid of the rust that you currently have. Then thinner like suggested before painting.

The paint on my headers is holding up well, but not the y-pipe. The only difference in prep was that I was able to pre-bake the paint on the headers (had to clear the house while they were in the oven), but could only run the engine for a short time to try to slowly heat the y-pipe and cure the paint. Apparently, that wasn't enough.

If they ever come off, I'm going to do the ceramic coating thing for sure.

 

For the DIYer... http://www.techlinecoatings.com/Exhaust.htm
I bought Cermakrome for $30, has to be baked but can be polished out to a similar finish like JetHot. They have other coatings that don't have to baked on as well. Good stuff for protecting mild steel headers and at a much better price then JetHot.

 

Wow sounds too good to be true. How did you prep them and how well did they come out?

 

I used that Cermakrome a number of years ago and I'll try to recall as much as I can. You have to spray it on with a paint gun, then cook it in an oven at something like 500*. Then I think it turns into a powderlike finish. Polishing this powder finish then gives it a coat that is chrome-like. Like I said, it has been years since I have used it or had those headers, but it is something like that. The stuff did look good where it stayed, and I think more than not stayed on, but there is a caveat. I wasn't impressed enough with the final outcome to condone the work it involved, but I think much of the problem was due to the fact that they were long tube truck headers and I couldn't get them all the way in the oven, so I had to close it as far as I could. As you may figure (which I do) this probably had something to do with not all of it baking on. I have never had nor seen in person ceramic or JetHot coated headers, but if you are a perfectionist with money to burn, you might want to go that route.

 

have you guys ever heard of MURIATIC acid?
it works amazing! build up as much rust as you want...this $hit will take it off hands down. all you have to do is pour the acid into the water (like n a bucket) and let it soak for maybe an hour or so...depending on how rusty they are of course. it brings metal back to bare..with no rust! I think you can get it at a local car or paint place. chek it out... its cool stuff.


87GTA57L

 

the muriatic acid trick sounds like a good idea if it works as well as you say it does. It would be easier to get my hands on some of that stuff then a sandblaster. Probably the best way to get into the nooks and crannys too such as around the collectors. Thanks for the tip.