Good manifold paint. Any suggestions?

[cr8crshr]

For a DIY and On A Budget type applications, I have been using the VHT and Eastwood brands for years. Basically prep the manifolds really well prior to application, and they will turn out fine. And will last for quite a while I might add. Except in the case of them being left outside and exposed to the elements 24/7. Then it is only a matter of time and the elements taking their toll. Also remember this...The exhaust manifolds and even headers create a tremendous amount of heat when the motor is at full operating temp. There will be some minor deterioration and finish because of the heat. But unless you are applying any coatings to obtain a 100% resto and will be trailering the car, then they are meant to be driven and shgow some ware...my 2 cents....:coffee2:

 

[Moparsmitty]

I've also used Eastwood high temp manifold paints for years with excellent results. If the manifolds are properly cleaned and rust free the coating should last for a good long time. Follow the instructions on the paint to the letter. Good luck.

 

[super-bee_ski]

CudaChick1968....
I just realized this...

You are standing in front of a car in your AVATAR!

Untill now, I had never seen the car before!

"tee-hee-hee"

 

[conv67bdere]

That's the high temp gun / ceramic division of my current cosmetic powder supplier. Good call there -- Cerakote is the best in the world.

Thanks CudaChick . . . good to know I got something "right" and pointed people in the right direction ! ! !

 

[conv67bdere]

CudaChick1968....
I just realized this...

You are standing in front of a car in your AVATAR!

Untill now, I had never seen the car before!

"tee-hee-hee"

There's a car in the avatar ? ? ? Really ? ? ? ( GRIN )

 

[CudaChick1968]

I've also used Eastwood high temp manifold paints for years with excellent results. If the manifolds are properly cleaned and rust free the coating should last for a good long time. Follow the instructions on the paint to the letter. Good luck.

But I DID!!!! The thing was spotless, free of all contaminants and even media blasted. Now you guys and your good results are making me want to do it over again. LOL

Thanks for the kind words too ya'll. I've had my old hot rod for almost 23 years ... there's another album on RacingJunk.

 

[coloradodave]

Something that caught my eye in the original post is the use of a wire wheel to clean the manifolds before painting them. I've found that wire wheels, in addition to what they do best, can also impart oil/grease into the porous cast iron. After using a wire wheel on cast iron I've taken to a small stainless or brass wire brush and Dupont Metal Prep to clean the piece and then wiping it down with a CLEAN rag. If possible, it also helps to use a heat gun to try and 'off-gas' anything still in the pores. After that I use several light coats of VHT paint and follow their instructions on curing it. Works for me...good luck.

 

[theman440]

I have used Black Barbeque paint on Manifolds with success. I was very happy with it, they turned grey but did not flake or chip. It was my daily driver too. Naturally make sure you prep well.

 

[SureGrip]

Something that caught my eye in the original post is the use of a wire wheel to clean the manifolds before painting them. I've found that wire wheels, in addition to what they do best, can also impart oil/grease into the porous cast iron. After using a wire wheel on cast iron I've taken to a small stainless or brass wire brush and Dupont Metal Prep to clean the piece and then wiping it down with a CLEAN rag. If possible, it also helps to use a heat gun to try and 'off-gas' anything still in the pores. After that I use several light coats of VHT paint and follow their instructions on curing it. Works for me...good luck.

This was my first thought too.

 

[conv67bdere]

I've had my old hot rod for almost 23 years ... there's another album on RacingJunk.

CudaChick . . . we're guys, we're not looking at the "hot rod" in the picture, is there really one there . . . we're looking at the "hot broad" ! ! ! ( SMILE )

Got it ? ?

 

[tallhair]

But I DID!!!! The thing was spotless, free of all contaminants and even media blasted. Now you guys and your good results are making me want to do it over again. LOL

Thanks for the kind words too ya'll. I've had my old hot rod for almost 23 years ... there's another album on RacingJunk.

You've been holding out Leanna

 

[CudaChick1968]

Nahhh, never Tallhair -- I'm here to learn and share what I know same as the rest. I could never hold out on you guys!!

 

[goose69]

Quite a few years ago I built a 340 and used cast manifolds. I cleaned them and prepped them real well and sprayed them with VHT Nu-Cast hi-temp paint (part #SP-997). The paint held up well for years and it was my daily driver. When I sold the car they still looked good.

 

[tallhair]

Nahhh, never Tallhair -- I'm here to learn and share what I know same as the rest. I could never hold out on you guys!!

I was talking about the photo link

 

[72 charger]

I went ahead and called both Jet-Hot and Swain Tech for price quotes. Swain tech rep told me their coatings are mainly more for high performance and heat reduction where it will reduce radiant heat in the engine bay up to 35 degrees but on the down side their coating only comes in one color white. They quoted me for HP manifolds not headers at around $230-Ish. Jet hot has a lot more options color wise and the rep told me they are backed by a lifetime guarantee and quoted anywhere from 210-350 depending on the finish you want. They have quite a selection of colors and finishes so I will probably end up going with them as im not in the high performance market. Here's the link to the colors and finishes Jet-Hot has.http://www.jet-hot.com/coatings/premium-colors/