Keeping headers and side pipes white

[Large Arbor]

I have ERA 714 and it has flat white headers and side pipes. I have tried numerous times using the VHT hi temp paint to keep the pipes a clean white, but the paint just doesn't seem to cure well and either turns a pale yellowish color or flakes and peels off. I have tried heating the pipes by starting the car up and also following VHT's suggested curring all to no avail. Anyone else out there have painted pipe issues?

Phil

[sharpe 1]

Pull them and have them coated with white ceramic

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by sharpe 1

Pull them and have them coated with white ceramic

I agree - there is only so much you can expect from VHT paint.

[Turbonut48]

Try the Rustoleum High Temp . That dries white for me.

The Nut

[NOS-EDDIE]

Have them chrome plated. I was in the trucking business for 45 years and my wife will tell you my favorite color is chrome,and the way I always cleaned the stacks(including chrome mufflers,not stainless guards) was to wet and lightly scrub with soapy water And four oooo steel wool. Make sure it's four 0000 . Will cut through that baked on asphalt from wet driving without scratching chrome.

[Dave S]

Before you throw in the towel and spend big $ on plating or ceramic coating, try another type of paint. I've had my car for 3+ years and over that time, I've repainted the pipes twice with VHT flat white paint. I wish I could tell you what brand I used, but I can't find the can. Must have tossed it after the last touch-up. But I can tell you I bought it at CarQuest, if that's any help.

After a bit of wire brushing the pipes to knock off any road gunk and wiping down with paint thinner, I simply masked off the body with newspapers and re-coated the pipes. It looks good, easy to apply, cheap, and it doesn't discolor.

[Large Arbor]

I have been using VHT Hi Temp flat white and tried the curing process and no matter what I do, it flakes off after a few runs. I have heated the pipes and put it on hot, put it on cold and did per the VHT curing process and it still comes off after a short time. I am just trying to see if anyone has found another product that has worked better. I would love to hear if possible.

Phil

[Dirty Harry]

I also run white side pipes. I've used both the VHT brand and Eastwood's brand of hi-temp white. You might find that Eastwood does a better job for you.

[Dave S]

When I suggested VHT, I should have typed it vht. That is, the type of paint, not the brand. That said, the CarQuest web site lists their vht paint as the brand "VHT." Maybe that's what I used; can't remember. But I'm sure it wasn't the Eastwood brand.

[Dave S]

Arbor, I'm pretty sure the paint I used was the VHT brand, part # SP101. It's widely available. Here's one link:

PJ1 SP101, VHT Flame Proof Header Paint | PJ1

You might get better results if you use the VHT primer first, SP118.

Luck to you.

[rms427]

Mine are aluminized. That's spray molten metal aluminum. They come out white white. It's a rough surface but stays white. Most discoloration just burns off. I first did it in about 1970 and redid it after someone put a tennis shoe on the the hot pipes. The rubber was burned into the metal. I tried to rub it off and it ended up shiny aluminum. I then had them redone. Should have just touched them with up with VHT. The second job was not as good and some has flaked off. I now just touch up areas with VHT and they stay looking pretty good. So in about 45 years and 50,000 miles I have only had them redone once.