Prep FFR steel side pipes for paint

[austinsnake]

Hi All,

I am getting ready to finish my original, now surface rust coated MK3.1 FFR steel side pipes, with high temp BBQ paint.

What would the the best way to prep them before spraying with the rattle can?

Thanks.for your inputs...


Brian

[cob427sc]

I would steel wool as much rust as possible off the pipes first. I have used Rustolleum Hi-temp black in the past. Usually 2 good coats and a touch up every spring.

[AC Bill]

Mine weren't very rusty fortunately. i washed them down with acetone initially, then a good scrub with a 3M stripping finishing pad. Then another wash with acetone. Heated them up with a heat gun, internally and externally. Applied rattle can Flameproof VHT primer. Did the same with the VHT finish coats. This preheating really helps, and is part of the cure process as well. 10+ years, and no peeling, flaking, discoloration or rust. Being it's a satin type finish, it's easy to touch up any scratches or marks.

151900

[austinsnake]

Thanks Guys, very helpful. I'll give it a try.

[Peeker]

Just wondering if you had considered ceramic coating them? I had mine done in the KC area for $219.00. They are definitely a lot cooler. I can actually put my hand on them while the car is running. I don’t leave my hand on them, but I can touch them.

[austinsnake]

I hadn't considered that but will see if I can find somewhere in the Austin area for a reasonable price.

I have also thought about cutting them open and inserting a sound reduction scheme before welding them back up and finishing them, but that's a whole different topic :-)

[cob427sc]

Too loud? Never! Actually on one of my roadsters after about 1000 miles it really got loud. I bought some cone shape baffles from I believe Speedway and inserted them into the muffler. I ended up putting a screw in from the backside to prevent them from blowing out but it made a considerable decrease in the roar. Pipes were stainless and I didn't want to cut them open.

[Joecobr]

Certainly clean the rust off but I would also etch them with, for example, an Eastwood or Por15 product. Paint adheres to metal best when there is texture to it. Sandblasting has the same, perhaps even better effect.

[austinsnake]

I got a local quote of $400 to blast and ceramic coat the FFR steel side pipes, from a place with very good customer feedback.

So I have that option to ponder now :-)

[frankb]

I had my pipes sand blasted at a local shop and painted them with Rustoleum BBQ Black about 4 years ago. I haven't touched them since except to dust them off now and then. No rust or discoloration yet!

[steno]

Use the Rustoleum matte finish paint! It looks like black ceramic!

[mcmustang]

It doesn't get cheaper than doing it yourself. https://pbase.com/image/169854149.jpg

[rthomas98]

I ceramic mine. really recommend it. Below is the before and after shots.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152025&d=1628792214
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152024&d=1628792196

[RBachman]

Dittos on the ceramic. If you want to do it yourself, consider Cerakote Glacier Black. It's an air-cure ceramic rated for up to 1,800 deg.F, and it's not hard to do yourself. Clean them and then sand blast (or have someone do that for you). Acetone wash/wipe, let off gas and spray. However, you will need a small spray gun to apply the paint.

[seanbrown427]

Austin Snake. Can you share the company that can do the ceramic coating in Austin? I also live in Austin and I am restoring my old Mark 1. Need to find a good place to powder coat the frame. Good luck with those side pipes!

[austinsnake]

Thanls for all the great suggestions.

RB, does the Cerakote result in some reduction of surface temp like other have highlighted for their ceramic coating?

[austinsnake]

Austin Snake. Can you share the company that can do the ceramic coating in Austin? I also live in Austin and I am restoring my old Mark 1. Need to find a good place to powder coat the frame. Good luck with those side pipes!

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