reds headers question

Searched around on here a bit with no success. Just purchased a set of reds headers for my 51 mercury and I was curious weather I should coat them with something so they don't rust.
Anyone have a set that they got and didn't paint? Curious to see and or hear what they look like.
If I need to paint them I would prefer to do it before I put them on the car.
Thanks
adam

 

If you want your headers to last more than a couple of years get them ceramic coated. Most places here on the west coast will do them for about $200.00. Don't just consider the initial cost of the headers but also the labor for the installation.

 

i just got off the phone with reds headers, he said that high temp paint would only last a year near the beach, or i assume salted roads. So i wouldnt really waste my time on it, Reds talked me into the ceramic coating for only 160 more. I have a set of saderson headers that are ceramic coated, 15 years no rust.

 

By the time you're done, perhaps you should consider Fentons. Cast Iron rules!

 

I probably should have got the coated ones i didnt really think that through, are they going to rust pretty bad or are they just going to look like crap in a year

 

any other thoughts or input, interested to see what a pair of these uncoated looks like after a while

 

any tricks I should know about installing headers, to seal them up tight so I dont have any leaks

 

The heating and cooling cycles that headers experience seems to accelerate the oxidation (rusting) process. Headers can rust out in a couple of years if the vehicle is on the road very much. I would have them coated. Money well spent.

 

For the time being I am going to try coating them in Rustoleum 2000+ degree primer I am really short on money right now so couldnt do the extra money for ceramic coating and the car is not going to be drivable till at least next spring I really just need to get them on the car so I can put it back in the garage for the winter