I made sidepipe protectors (or rather leg protectors...) by using a 6 in. tube as mould and put epoxi and fiber on the outside. Then some SS net from a fridge, bent it and fabricated 4 in. clamps and welded to the net. Then glued the net, sanded the outside and to the local paintshop. If someone can explain to me how to put pictures here, I will do so, otherwise see my homepage:
http://www.angelfire.com/scifi/ulfcobra/index.html
under assembly2
The advantage with plastic is of course the better insulation... and Stainless Steel actually transfers heat 50% better than normal steel.
regards, Ulf