Exhaust manifold finishes recommendations

I'm going to start work on a set of old Fenton flathead headers tomorrow for the F-1. I'm going to do a port match to the block, about 1/8 inch larger all around on each outlet and runner, plus clean them up inside with flapwheels, starting at about 60 grit and finishing around 180.

As much as I'd like to finish the manifolds with an HPC coating, it's out of my budget. I've used Eastwoods cast-iron finish in the past, on BBC manifolds in restored/refurbed big-block Chevelles, and liked its appearance and durability. On one 396 the Eastwood still looked like fresh-cast iron after better than a year and 10K miles.

That was years ago, and I'd imagine that there's something as good or better available that I might not have to send away for. Any suggestions?

 

I just saw that eastwood had a 3 can system that was pretty cheap. It was on one of those stupid sunday afternoon car fixit shows. It looked like it worked pretty good. That's all I know.

 

Cast Iron Stove Polish, avalible at most hardware stores. Kinda like wax for cast iron. Made for stoves so it'll handle the heat. Not perminent, so you will need to reapply occasionally, just add it to your regular detailing list. This is how the head for my '55 turned out using it.

-Jeff

 

For a low-buck approach I don't think anything beats the Eastwood stuff.

 

I could not keep paint on my hemi headers. They run way hot. My flathead headers are content with autozone header paint. No come off in two years. Flathead exhaust is way colder. I always wondered how the steering boxes survived. Block cooled exhaust!

 

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I like the brush on stainless coating from Eastwood. I've had good luck with it lasting.

 

I have about 6mo and a trip to CA. on my headers with
Home Depot BBQ paint. Still looks good, and talk about
inexpensive.

TZ

 

[ QUOTE ]
Cast Iron Stove Polish, avalible at most hardware stores. Kinda like wax for cast iron. -Jeff

[/ QUOTE ]

They make it in black, too. It used to come in a can like shoe polish.

 

Mike, I haven't used Gibbs Brand in a high-temperature application yet, so if you'd like to try some, just E-mail me your shipping address and I'll send you a can of it and another can for Vern. Gibbs is described in detail at http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/
(602) 233-8400

 

Mike, Eastwood now sells a high-temperature powder coat that can be used on manifolds and headers. I bought some silver for a cast iron manifold. I'm sure there is also cast gray and black. Unfortunately, the guy who was going to spray it and bake it flaked out and now says he doesn't have an oven.

So I can't report back any real results, but ***uming it can handle the temperature, as Eastwood claims, it seems to be the way to go.

 

Dave -- Thanks for the offer. I've e-mailed my address.

Mike

 

The top one is Jet Hot coated. The bottom one is aluminized. The Jet Hot one looks like chrome.

 

For powdercoat check out antique express in searsmont maine, If you're in New England.
You can polish ceramics to look like chrome with the right stuff.
Jet Hot do a nice job though if you prep it.