Exhaust Header Cosmetics

[Exit98]

Looking for advice/experience coating or painting exhaust header and downpipe.

I got a real nice 4-2-1 but no sense putting it on the car before cleaning it up.

Thanks,

[htchevyii]

I've had excellent results with the Eastwood paint, even used it on my wood stove:
http://www.eastwood.com/factory-gray-hi ... ating.html

[manoa matt]

To get the best results from any rattle can, preparation is key. The surface must be clean, and free of contaminates. Second: Its better to bake the finish in an oven, than to try and use the heat from running the engine.

[johndemar]

Depending on your budget, ceramic coating is the way to go. I used a company called Jet-Hot a few years ago and the header still looks new. The sterling finish ran around $125 but I doubt I'll ever have to redo it.

[Curly]

This set was ceramic coated in 2002 and it's still looking good. Pricey, but worth it in the long run.

[Exit98]

Thanks all. Found a local guy that does powder coating and ceramic. I'm going to see him on Monday.

[azygoustoyou]

Doug,
So Cal Mark has a shop near him that will do it probably for a lot less money. I tried to get some of my stuff done around here. I was able to do a dozen pieces for the price of a few here. The East coast is crazy with prices.

[mdrburchette]

How much does it cost up your way? It cost me around $100 with shipping included. Might be a little more with inflation.

[Exit98]

Brady, Denise,

We found a young local guy that works out of his garage. He has nice equipment. He powder coated my wheels and he says he does ceramic. I'm going to bring him the header and downpipe tomorrow. He"ll need to blast them then coat them. I'm expecting the price to be reasonable. I'll report back tomorrow. Ralph is waiting to hear too.

[Exit98]

Dropped of the manifold and downpipe for blasting and ceramic coating. Good to 2000 degrees he says. $100 and will be ready for pick up Saturday.

Said $75 for Ralph's manifold.

He did a great job on my wheels.

I'll post pictures when I get them back. Forgot as usual to do a "before" shot. Oh well.

[mdrburchette]

It's well worth the price to not have to worry with it any more. We look forward to pics!

[Raze]

I agree if you have the money have it professionally coated, if you're on a tight budget and just want to keep the rust away, rock some ceramic bake on DIY header paint, doing this requires patience and time to get it right.

First, since the binding agents must properly cure you need to allow the header to sit for a while before firing it up, or else it'll crack. Second, if each coat isn't dry some undried 'trapped' solvents will usually bubble out and make a mess. Baking in the oven helps, alot, but usually won't get it all so expect some smoke on startup even if you baked the header first.

When I did mine, I did not bake, but that's because I don't want the stench in my house, or my food. If you have a garage oven, then you're golden. I just allowed a day between coats, put 3 on, and waited another week for it to cure (low temps in the garage). After putting them on and firing it up it smoked for less than 5 minutes, didn't crack, peel, bubble, or burn. I now have decent protection on the header for cheap. No it's not as 'pretty' as a powder coat job, but my car is a driver, not a concourse car...

[Exit98]

Dropped them off on Monday they were ready on Wednesday. Picked them up this afternoon. $100, I'm pleased. I like the way "FIAT" shows up so clear.

Now I've got to get it installed. The seller cut off the end of the downpipe short and theres a piece of the old pipe still in there. Talked to a shop that said they could handle it, fabing a piece to bridge from the downpipe to the existing tailpipe. We'll see.

[Raze]

Very nice!

[narfire]

Those look great.
I want to cut the down pipe in my car at the same spot and weld a flange on that will take a 2" pipe to the back.