Cleanin up those stainless beauties.

[Rocketjock]

My 06 header is still just about pristine. There are a few black specs of road tar on them now with a bit of water stain. What is the best way to maintain, restore and upkeep the original finish? I know the patina is there to stay and I love that golden hue but beyond that what are good products to use on it? Also, I've seen a few new model Triumph stainless headers that have turned that aweful black/blue. Is that just inferior tubing or what happened there?

[Red01]

The road tar will likely require a solvent to get rid of it. Kerosene will usually do it. You can upkeep the finish with any number of metal polishes, like MetAll, Magic Mix, Mothers, etc.

[CWO4GUNNER]

On the pipes only, I spray some Easyoff oven spray which you must let set for 5 minutes. Then give it a few rubs with the scrubber side of a sponge and it should all smear off then hit it with a pressure washer.

[pmackie]

I use varsol solvent and/or bug remover spray on the bugs, then an extra fine "scotch brite" pad and follow up with "solvol autosol" metal polish. (it's really an aluminium polish, but it works on the stainless as well.)

[txbanditrydr]

I suggest you do a test spot in a hidden place with any sort of "scotch-brite", scrubbing, steelwool type device... you may not like the matte-like finish that can occur with too much elbow grease.

I prefer Mother's Metal Polish and CLEAN soft cloth.  It takes some time but there no chance of scratching or dulling the metal surface.

When you get bored, try some Mothers on the brake pedal or clutch/brake levers... makes them look like chrome for a week or so - aluminum starts to re-oxidize immediately.

[zaphoid42]

If your a cheap man you can always use toothpaste.