94HybridEX

I have the Apexi WS catback on my 94 black coupe. I was wondering if anyone has painted it flat black? I love how stock it sounds but I hate how bling bling it is. Has anyone done this? Any tips?
TIA.

p0oty

Man, just leave it. Flat black is rampant.


[Modified by p0oty, 6:16 PM 5/31/2002]

94HybridEX

But other then that big old chrome trash can, my car looks completely stock from the outside.

BROOD

I painted my old thermal flat black, it was OK I guess but after time it started looking dingy. I probably won't paint another muffler black again.

Why not paint it a flat silver color? Alot of the old hot rodders use a flat grey/aluminum exhaust paint (I think you can buy it from Eastwood's). Or even aluminum engine enamal. It might be a nice alternative if you want to get rid of the polished look. I think that is what I am going to try next. I hate attention from ricers and po-pos.
SLPR...........


[Modified by SLPR, 10:42 AM 5/31/2002]

-Gambit-

if you do paint it, be sure to use a high temp paint.

Kalokohan

And prep it good, sand it properly so the primer and paint stay.

94HybridEX

So what grit hould I sand with? Normal sand paper? Then I use primer and then High temp paint? Can I find this stuff at Home Depot?

-Gambit-

i would get some fairly smooth sand paper, if its to rough its going to leave grooves even after you paint it, and as for the primer and high temp paint i would check at your local auto parts store.

94HybridEX

Thanks for the tip! Any other sugguestions from anyone else who has done this?

Mr. Thunderlips

I actually just painted my Apex RS, I was tired of having a goldish-colored trash can under my car. Also, I wanted a more-low-profile look. I masked off the tip right after the Apex writing, then lightly sanded down the can to give it some bite. Degreased the whole damn thing, let it dry, then went to town with flat black 500 degree paint. Well, I couldn't be more pleased with the results, reminds me of the old-school Trust BL exhaust, or the RSR. Definately a cleaner look, and a good repair for my old worn muffler.

BROOD

I actually sandblasted my muffler and wiped it down with lacquer thinner before painting it with flat black engine enamal.

You could get away with some fine grit sandpaper or those red scotch brite sanding pads are nice too.

JeffS

So let me get this right... you spent $500 on an exhaust that gave you VERY minimal power gains, and now you want to paint it black so it will look stock???

Why didn't you just save the money and not buy it to start with?

94HybridEX

Thanks for the help, internet thug.

Mr. Thunderlips

It's all about the desired finish. Some people just don't want a huge polished muffler, that's called a preference. Personally, mine looked like **** right before I painted it. I tried several times polishing it to no avail, so painting was my last resort. I don't think I'd go out and buy a brand new muffler and do this, but an older exhaust that is showing signs of wear and tear, it's a great improvement. And I apologize for your ignorance, but a 2.25 exhaust system is a pretty big improvement over my stock DX piping. And no, I didn't spend $500 for the whole system.


[Modified by ThunderLips, 2:11 PM 5/31/2002]

Kris

Why didn't you just not post your useless comment in here?

lucas569

i painted mine flat black, very stealthy. ive gotten more compliments on it than when it was shiny.

what i did was use some brillo pads to prep and clean the surface, then i used some high temp paint, used about 3-4 coats. been a month and its holding up just fine. do WHAT YOU like, dont let others influince you decisions.

FBP Si 2000

94HybridEX

Thanks a lot, non-jackasses. I'm painting my muffler tonight. I'll take pics and let you guys know how it comes out!