Paint for side exhaust

Denis Bouchard · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 07:33 PM

Greetings from the Great White North,

I've finally completed the header fabrication and side exhaust installation on my Contemporary, and would like to go with a flat black paint. Everything is new mild steel and will be blasted first.

Any tips or recommendations on paint manufacturer/supplier of choice, final prep, or other issues that I can pass on to the body shop - painting exhaust parts is not something most people don't do themselves behind the garage, but I'd like the product to stick.

I acknowledge this will be far less effective than the ceramic coating, but I like the look of a satin black finish, and would also like to get the car out before winter sets in (I'm already 4 months behind completing last winter's project!).

Have a great one.....Denis

RPRICE · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 08:50 PM

I too wanted the black pipes. Talked to many coaters that said not to do it. But still went with a company in MI recommended by Dynamic Motorsports. Been very disapointed with the grey results. To give the devil his due, the pipes were put on a bbf with fuel injection. Don't profess to be an expert, but have been told t hat the EFI units run several hundred degrees hotter than carb units. Can attest to the heat build up. So this may be the problem. Cannot imagine Dynamic unsing them if not a quality company.
Richard

coosawjack · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 05:11 AM

Denis,

I have a set I painted with "Hi-Temp" barbeque black and it does OK but in time it gets lighter....not grey but not a good black!! The best part is you can touch it up or repaint anytime!!

The ceramic black is nothing more than black paint over a non-polished silver and is no more durable than the barbeque black.

You may check with POR-15....They have the best quality "Hi-Temp" paints in all colors!!

Good Luck,
Jack

Denis Bouchard · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 06:16 AM

Thanks lads; I'll speak with a few more paint reps in the hopes of discovering a black that remains black. Jack, I've used the POR 15 for chassis stuff on some old Landcruisers; their rust paint is supreme. I hadn't realized they carried a high temperature paint as well, but will check.

It appears as if black high temp does not come in a range of extraordinary quality finishes. As mentioned, the worse that can happen may be an annual repaint.

Merci....Denis

Roscoe · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 07:57 AM

I use Rustoleum BBQ which gives a nice deep gray oxide look, like Parkerizing. I redo every year and touchup is a snap.

Roscoe

Turk · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 08:11 AM

Junket · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 08:23 AM

I agree VHT

vettestr · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 08:36 AM

Get the exhaust coated with Jet-Hot by brand name. It is available in many colors other than silver that is most common. There is a gray/black that I think would match your desires. It will cost a liitle more time as they run colors in lots and the most common get done first.
Check web for dealer in your area. I swear by this product and have begun having all tin work from engine like oil pan, timing cover, manifolds, V. covers etc.. The engine looked great, is easy to keep clean. I can not document but believe lower oil temp. and lower engine compartment temps are also the result. There may be other manufacturers with like product but I have no experience with them.

flipper35 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 10:37 AM

My headers are still perfect with the Jet-Hot, but the sidepipes were recoated under warranty since they rusted in a years time. Not a great big deal, but they do go through a lot when you have to ship them.

foothills gary · #10 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003, 07:00 PM

Eastwood's carries a high temp black meant for powdercoating.I haven't used it but would sure love to hear from someone who has.I too prefer the look of the black pipes,and would sure like to see a low maintainence,lower cost alternative to ceramic.Anyone have their pipes powdercoated?

Denis Bouchard · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2003, 09:17 AM

Lads,

I had run a nice under car dual exhaust with resonators only since 1997. As my kids don't listen, I'd have taken the fall with lovie for their 3rd degree burns. Even though the pipes exited the back, it was very loud on the highway.

I thought the side pipes would be louder, but the sound is wonderful. This has also completed the look of the car. Very pleased with the transition, although the custom headers were $$$, as I've run the pipes (2") and headers (1 5/8") into 3 1/2" collectors. No risk of leaks which plague the slip fit, with easy on and off.

Still exploring paint options, and Eastwood appears to be receiving most of the votes. If I go with the powder coating, I'll report on the outcome.

Thanks to all for the guidance....Denis

John Poling · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2003, 12:20 PM

Denis and Gary,

Investigate the powder coating idea before using it, I am not aware of a powder coating material that can withstand the kind of temperatures an exhaust system will see. To my knowledge, powder coating is baked on at 400 degrees. 800 degrees is the temp used to help burn of everything prior to powder coating, at least that is what I was told by the shop that did all of mine.

John