Author Topic: Painting Headers (Read 5075 times)

Chi-TownBandit · « **on:** August 15, 2005, 03:54:18 AM »

My Holeshot headers needed some work bad--there was some pitting and the overall jet coat was starting to break apart in various areas. I've grinded them down.
Has anyone ever used the 1200 degree resistant black paint available in most auto stores on their headers? I thought it would be a nice touch to my full exhaust and a cheaper alternative to having it recoated professionally.
As always, thanks ahead of time for the input.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2005, 06:12:01 AM »

Yeah, 2 winters ago, I cleaned up and painted the 10 year old stock headers on my B4. They turned out great. I'll probably pull them this winter and do it again. They're getting pretty worn behind the weel. For $8 or whatever and a few hours work, I thought it was worth it. They won't need nearly as much clean-up this time around.

Chi-TownBandit · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2005, 06:46:12 AM »

Hey Rob, thanks for the reply. Did you use the 1200 or 500 paint? Just want to make sure.
Thanks man!
Anybody else paint their headers? I'd like to hear what others have done before I put a lil' makeup on my baby.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2005, 08:53:12 AM »

I think it was the 1500 stuff. IIRC, I got it from the DK catalog. I think I may still have the can kicking around the garage somewhere. I'll check when I get home. The biggest pain was curing the paint after each coat. To do so, you had to wait 'til you could handle the freshly painted headers and put them back on and bring them up to temperature - that is unless you have a big ass oven to put them in!

PitterB4 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2005, 10:16:06 PM »

Erin - I used "VHT FlameProof Coating SP-102 Flat Black 1500*". It is as good or better than I could have expected from a rattle can. I will go with something with a bit more shine next time, I think.

Chi-TownBandit · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2005, 01:02:39 AM »

Hey Rob, I think I just might try the 1500 stuff. The local Autozone has the stuff, for pretty cheap too--I think under $10. I was hesitant to go with the 1200 paint. I'm a little conservative, so I might just stick with the black stuff, and maybe save shiny for the next time I paint them because from what I've heard from the other forums I'm part of, unless you jet coat the headers, you'll need to keep repainting them because they just get so hot.
I'll let you know how it goes and maybe post some pics.
Thanks again bro for the input--you're the only one who seems to care!

devildog0 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2005, 07:20:42 PM »

I also used VHT flat black on my header and midpipe. Been a few months now and it still looks sweet. I really recommend this for anyone doing streetfighter work on their bike it really looks good.

2005B12S · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2005, 10:37:23 AM »

I have repainted my V+H 4-1 race pipe on my '83 GS750 several times over the past 20yrs. I used PJ1 Hi-Temp Exhaust paint ordered thru speed shop, with a light glass bead before painting. The Matte Black finish will last 2-3 years at best and then need repainting.

If you don't mind the work, it is cost effective but will not have a full professional finish.

Ceramic coating is also an option.

Good Luck, Ed
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED

JayRo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2005, 02:00:47 AM »

I would stay away from the 1500 degree rated paint. It is pointless to put that kind of paint on headers that won't get above 500 degrees, and that is if it is burning lean. Secondly, most of that type of paint requires a cure temperature of around 800 degrees, and for that curing process to be done relatively soon, within an hour or so, of your last coat. I am no farrier, but I have done a bit research and work with hardening and tempering carbon steels which require a keen eye on the colouring of the steel to determine different temperatures. Just for reference, using O1 steel as an example, a light straw or gold color, which is normal for the bandit would be around 445-465 degrees. You start getting into the purple blue range at about 520 to 575 degrees. Just so you know, 1500 degrees is cherry red. Now granted, with the high chromium content of the stainless and other combination of alloys, those temps and colors vary, but not by a lot. I also have an decent infrared thermometer that I use for work but have checked my header temps on many different occasions, and although it is hard to get a good reading because of the high reflective properties of the metal, I have never seen it above 500 degrees.
Sorry to ramble.

JayRo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2005, 03:05:22 PM »

My mistake about the cure temp. It is 650 degrees for one hour within 8 hours of your last coat. Still your pipes aren't going to reach that temperature, and improperly cured paint wears thin quickly.

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2005, 10:12:55 PM »

Your local pizzaria might have ovens that could bake the paint on at 650*F.
Might be tough to convince them to bake your pipes though.

2005B12S · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2005, 01:20:11 AM »

I put my GS750 V+H header in my apartment kitchen oven back in college to bake on the spray can finish. All it got me was a threat of having to appear on Judge Judy's divorce court.

Any spray can finish is gonna look just like that- a spray can finish.

On high quality stainless pipes like the bandit's, I would look into ceramic coating. spend the extra $ and save the headaches

Good Luck, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2005, 02:27:33 AM »

Quote from: "2005B12S"

On high quality stainless pipes like the bandit's, I would look into ceramic coating. spend the extra $ and save the headaches

+1

broncbob · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2005, 07:57:43 PM »

ever thought of header wrap? might look really trick! clean em up give em a good coat of paint, wrap em up! if i member right you can get it in colors!http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10002&storeId=10001&categoryId=13943&parentCategoryId=10261&langId=-1 hears a link to some!

Chi-TownBandit · « **Reply #14 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:44:14 PM »

I actually decided to get my headers professionally ceramic coated. I tried the 1500 stuff--it held up, but it didn't look as nice as I thought it would once the headers started getting hot. The experiment was worth the $10 paint can, though. However, I stripped my engine covers and painted them gold--it held up pretty nice and looks pretty trick. I'll have to post some pics soon, so everyone can see my masterpiece. Well, at least, I think it's pretty good for an amateur.