View Full Version : Polishing side pipes - what should I use?
Scowally
08-08-2021, 12:37 PM
I am going to try and polish my side pipes to ‘like new’ status. Has anyone else out there attempted same? I don’t mind standing on your shoulders if you could pass along any tips or miracle creams you might have discovered. I already have a small tub of Mother’s aluminum and mag polish. Wasn’t sure if there was something better out there. Or are there prep steps I need to do before I starting going after the pipes?
As always, many thanks to this wonderful community.
Scott
cob427sc
08-08-2021, 01:13 PM
Which pipes do you have? Stainless or maybe ceramic coated?
egchewy79
08-08-2021, 02:38 PM
Compound 302 for stainless
R. Button
08-08-2021, 04:57 PM
it's amazing what that 302 compound will do for a set of the stainless steel side pipes!!
151836
Top one if after a trip to Ohio from NY
The other is after cleaning with the 302 compound
I had just sold the old pipes and wanted to clean them befor shipping them.
I now have the gas-n performance side pipes
Scowally
08-08-2021, 07:58 PM
They’re stainless steel
Scowally
08-09-2021, 07:36 AM
Compound 302 for stainless
Do you have a link for the 302 compound? I tried to find it on Amazon but got many results but nothing like your picture.
weendoggy
08-09-2021, 08:01 AM
This is the stuff https://weldingsupply.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?PNUM::1:UNDEF:X:ARCP302 I don't see it on the Amazonian site anymore. Be sure to use some polish after to make them look shiny.
rwantin
08-09-2021, 12:16 PM
This was a pleasant surprise. I noticed the Harley folks raving about it, and thought I would give it a try. My stainless pipes weren't too terrible, but I was surprised at the low effort and the results. They looked fantastic. Going to be an occasional maintenance thing for me from here on.
https://www.amazon.com/Surf-City-Garage-492-Perfect/dp/B001JSYCNS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
I use Barkeepers friend followed up with Mothers metal polish and it does a nice job. Even removed the yellowish look the pipes were getting at the bend where they exit the body.
https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keepers-Friend-Multipurpose-Countertops/dp/B07JGZ1XSP/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=bar+keepers+friend&qid=1628569844&sr=8-8
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05101-Mag-Aluminum-Polish/dp/B0009H519Y/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=mothers+metal+polish&qid=1628569898&sr=8-2
jwebb
08-10-2021, 08:22 AM
it's amazing what that 302 compound will do for a set of the stainless steel side pipes!!
151836
Top one if after a trip to Ohio from NY
The other is after cleaning with the 302 compound
I had just sold the old pipes and wanted to clean them befor shipping them.
I now have the gas-n performance side pipes
Just rub it on and wipe off or is there some sort of cleaner involved?
weendoggy
08-10-2021, 08:34 AM
Just rub it on and wipe off or is there some sort of cleaner involved?
You can use a soft damp sponge or damp blue cloth shop towel, dip it in the "paste" and apply. Let is sit a minute or less and wipe off with damp cloths. As I mentioned, polish after for a nice shine as the compound makes them look dull. You can use Blue Magic compound after or any good polish. Oh, there's no elbow grease needed with the 302, but you'll use some with the polish. :)
Caution! Compound 302 is great, but very caustic! Use gloves and clean with lots of water.
JohnK
08-10-2021, 10:20 AM
Caution! Compound 302 is great, but very caustic! Use gloves and clean with lots of water.
I used to be a volunteer emergency response team member at my former employer and was certified as a medic first responder, so I'm always curious as to what's actually in stuff and how nasty it really is. Here's the MSDS on Compound 302:
https://www.wmillc.com/uploads/2/7/5/2/27520789/harris_compound_302_stainless_cleaner.pdf
It's basically hydrochloric acid paste with a pH of -0.5 :eek: You definitely do not want to get this stuff on skin, clothing, etc. or inhale the fumes.
FLPBFoot
08-10-2021, 12:32 PM
Also don't leave anything steel exposed to the vapor or anywhere close. It will rust very quickly!
kobra01
08-10-2021, 12:36 PM
Thanks for the heads up Johnk
NiceGuyEddie
08-10-2021, 12:36 PM
151951
Well, not the best photo in the world but I use California Purple Polish for all my metal and plastic polishing needs. You can get it on Amazon nowadays.
Best of all, for those that hate California - California Purple Polish is not based in California, nor is the product made in California!
Avalanche325
08-11-2021, 04:02 PM
I have tried a few different things, including Barkeepers Friend, Mothers metal polish, etc. Nothing works like Compound 302.
j.miller
08-13-2021, 08:23 AM
Bat Spit.....nuff said...da Bat
Bat Spit.....nuff said...da Bat
Is that the Compound 302 secret ingredient? :p Maybe you used a "p" instead of an "h" there to throw us off track a bit?