Question on painting old headers

[dirtyoldman]

I'll be picking up an old set of headers for my son's '69 today or tomorrow.They've been sitting out in the weather and are a little rusty.They have no dings or dents and look to be in good shape other than the slight rust.The collectors are even there.My question is what's the best way to make 'em look better.Should I get 'em sandblasted and repaint or just use some sandpaper and repaint with some kind of heat paint? If so what's the best paint?

 

[Hickspanic]

use enamel made for headers, you can get it at auto parts stores

 

[Draenor]

You could try to save yourself some money and try sanding them yourself. If they are in need of a blasting, Id get that done. If there is a week spot in the metal, that will find it. Best it break apart now, than once you paint it, and then rots away from underneath the paint.

As felix said, use the high heat paint made for headers. If it were me, I just wrap 'em. I don't go for pretty.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Good advice from you both,I thought about wrapping 'em.The metal seems to be pretty sound so I'm leaning toward sanding and painting.

 

[Zembonez]

There are some ultra high heat header paints available at auto parts stores these days. I think some are "ceramic" coatings that should last quite a while.

If you don't mind ordering some, I've used VHT header paint on exhaust parts with good success.

http://www.jegs.com/p/VHT/VHT-Header-Paint/749303/10002/-1

 

[dirtyoldman]

There are some ultra high heat header paints available at auto parts stores these days. I think some are "ceramic" coatings that should last quite a while.

If you don't mind ordering some, I've used VHT header paint on exhaust parts with good success.

http://www.jegs.com/p/VHT/VHT-Header-Paint/749303/10002/-1

I looked at Kragen and it appears they have this paint,I'll check it out today,thanks

 

[Draenor]

There are some ultra high heat header paints available at auto parts stores these days. I think some are "ceramic" coatings that should last quite a while.

If you don't mind ordering some, I've used VHT header paint on exhaust parts with good success.

http://www.jegs.com/p/VHT/VHT-Header-Paint/749303/10002/-1

I looked at Kragen and it appears they have this paint,I'll check it out today,thanks

I have not painted headers, but I'm sure it is done the same way. Just make sure you follow the directions from the manufacturer and prep the metal before painting. Get all the oils and particles off the metal or the paint will not stick.

 

[dirtyoldman]

There are some ultra high heat header paints available at auto parts stores these days. I think some are "ceramic" coatings that should last quite a while.

If you don't mind ordering some, I've used VHT header paint on exhaust parts with good success.

http://www.jegs.com/p/VHT/VHT-Header-Paint/749303/10002/-1

I looked at Kragen and it appears they have this paint,I'll check it out today,thanks

I have not painted headers, but I'm sure it is done the same way. Just make sure you follow the directions from the manufacturer and prep the metal before painting. Get all the oils and particles off the metal or the paint will not stick.

For sure,I don't wanna have to do this twice

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

i painted the pipe on my sled with BBQ paint from walmart, worked fine, looked just like new a year later (before i sold it) the only prep i did was brakleen and medium scotch-brite pad, and some rubbin`.

 

[Bigredmariner]

i painted the pipe on my sled with BBQ paint from walmart, worked fine, looked just like new a year later (before i sold it) the only prep i did was brakleen and medium scotch-brite pad, and some rubbin`.

Those are two of my favorite prep items.