Questions on high temp paint: 1) Is Rustoleum high temp 2000 degree primer compatible with VHT flame proof coating? 2) Can I spray the VHT now and heat treat it in the 4-6 months it might take me to get this flatty running? I did a search and couldn't find any info. I want to get these beautiful Geardrive headers painted.
Truth be told, I've never found the VHT coatings to last or prevent rust, etc.. If you're going to drive this car in the weather (rain) and don't want rust, stains, etc (what I'd call an ugly exhaust), I'd think about ceramic coatings. While a lot of guys like the 'silver' coatings, I've found that black has the best performance in the hot areas next to the block. Is VHT 'white' traditional . . . well maybe in the 60's, but 'brown VHT' doesn't do much for me. It always looks good when you first paint it and put it on the car - then I'm pissed off about 6 months later. Just one man's opinion . . .
I've never had much luck with RustOleum paint being compatible with much of anything other than RustOleum . Other than that , I wouldn't be afraid to prime it now & paint it later if they were same-make paints . As far as painting it with VHT now & heating it up later , I've done it with good results .
We sell KBS and they have super high temp for headers and manifolds its like iron when its on and wont discolor!!
Tech dude at Rustoleum thought they should work together but wasn't 100% certain. I already have both paints, that's why I asked. yeah, chrome or ceramic coating would be nice but this is a poor boy build, at least until I get it running and put some miles on it.
I have had good luck with VHT but used the following procedure. Blasted the headers and then washed down with laquer thinner and a clean rag. Let air dry. Sprayed several coats of VHT allowing to tack up real well before the next coat. Then after completely dry heated headers up with a propane (map gas) torch until hot. Let cool over night. Then I installed with clean gloves. 3 years so far on BBC headers still fine. Have used the same procedure on a stock Model A manifold and a set of SBC ram horns. I think the trick is to get them absolutely clean then "pre-heat" before running them.
if you live close to a Fleet Farm the 1200 degree stove paint is about $6.89 and is good enough to cover pipes on a show car in my estimation used to sandblast my stock car headers and the vht barely lasted a race
I've got a year on my VHT Flame Proof painted headers and they STILL look great. Actually, they seemed to have gotten a little better. As far as mixing, it MAY be alright. I wouldn't do it, but I always avoid mixing brands, when it comes to stuff like paint. With the VHT, or any paint, it's about PREP and following the instructions TO THE LETTER.
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