[FAQ] DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers
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From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
DIY How to polish tarnished rusted header
there was a topic the other day where someone asked how to polish stainless steel headers, and since i took mine off yesterday to put the manifold back on to try to pass smog i thoght i would polish mine and show you guys how to polish them.
{NOTE:} metal polish alone will only do so much it will make them shiny but it will not remove the rust or oxidation
step 1. things needed. TIME, 2000 grit sandpaper, mothers mag and aluminum poish
step 2. soak a few sheets of sandpaper in car wash water about 10 minutes.
step 3. begin scrubbing, use force and keep it wet. it will take time and elbow grease but the rewards are worth it.
step 4. keep sanding
step 5. keep sanding when you think your arms are about to fall off your halfway done!!!
step 6. rinse header with water rubbing all over to get the soap off. dry immedatly
step 7. rub mothers polish all over and rub away, the rag will get dirty so keep turing it over.
step 8. buff that *****!! use clean rags and buff, or if you have a buffer better.
good luck guys.
questions, comments, flames, go right ahead.
befores close up, notice the rust spots and tarnish
AFTER
Modified by akumaracer at 7:19 AM 5/3/2004
{NOTE:} metal polish alone will only do so much it will make them shiny but it will not remove the rust or oxidation
step 1. things needed. TIME, 2000 grit sandpaper, mothers mag and aluminum poish
step 2. soak a few sheets of sandpaper in car wash water about 10 minutes.
step 3. begin scrubbing, use force and keep it wet. it will take time and elbow grease but the rewards are worth it.
step 4. keep sanding
step 5. keep sanding when you think your arms are about to fall off your halfway done!!!
step 6. rinse header with water rubbing all over to get the soap off. dry immedatly
step 7. rub mothers polish all over and rub away, the rag will get dirty so keep turing it over.
step 8. buff that *****!! use clean rags and buff, or if you have a buffer better.
good luck guys.
questions, comments, flames, go right ahead.
befores close up, notice the rust spots and tarnish
AFTER
Modified by akumaracer at 7:19 AM 5/3/2004
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NY
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (Ricey McRicerton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ricey McRicerton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wonder how long it will take for it to be back to rusted agian. </TD></TR></TABLE> hahah !!! ... seems like Ricey started a big DIY trend
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Thread Starter
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From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (Ricey McRicerton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ricey McRicerton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wonder how long it will take for it to be back to rusted agian. </TD></TR></TABLE>
no kidding, well it took over 2 years to get tarnished and rusted like that, southern california driven only about 3 times a week, my headers were in pretty good shape considering they were there for 2 years. so i hope this will last at least another year. then ill do it again
no kidding, well it took over 2 years to get tarnished and rusted like that, southern california driven only about 3 times a week, my headers were in pretty good shape considering they were there for 2 years. so i hope this will last at least another year. then ill do it again
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From: I sleep in a drawer
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (Ricey McRicerton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ricey McRicerton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wonder how long it will take for it to be back to rusted agian. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Perhaps a high temp clear coat would slow the process?
Perhaps a high temp clear coat would slow the process?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Charlotte, NC
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (akumaracer)
Wow, man... Nice job.
My DC header looks like what yours did and I didn't think there was any hope for it. Looks like I might have a litte DIY project coming up.
My DC header looks like what yours did and I didn't think there was any hope for it. Looks like I might have a litte DIY project coming up.
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From: The Ville,, PA
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (H22A EG6)
Damn big . I dont know if I would do it though, I kinda like the grimey look that the header gives off. Who knows, maybe I will try it someday.
. I dont know if I would do it though, I kinda like the grimey look that the header gives off. Who knows, maybe I will try it someday.
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From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (Ej1_coupe)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ej1_coupe »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn big . I dont know if I would do it though, I kinda like the grimey look that the header gives off. Who knows, maybe I will try it someday. </TD></TR></TABLE>
i liked the golden look but it was starting to get rust spots. maybe ill heat it with a torch to get the golden look then find some like 2000 degree clear coat or something like someone else suggested
. I dont know if I would do it though, I kinda like the grimey look that the header gives off. Who knows, maybe I will try it someday. </TD></TR></TABLE>i liked the golden look but it was starting to get rust spots. maybe ill heat it with a torch to get the golden look then find some like 2000 degree clear coat or something like someone else suggested
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From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted headers (Hybrid93Eg)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hybrid93Eg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You know... this thread title said "rusted headers"... but you only showed how to clean one up.. Where is the other one? </TD></TR></TABLE>
damn, i always make fun of others when i see that too "headers". oh crap i cant believe i put that.
thanks for the compliments guys, i almost dont want to put them back on they are so pretty
</TD></TR></TABLE>damn, i always make fun of others when i see that too "headers". oh crap i cant believe i put that.
thanks for the compliments guys, i almost dont want to put them back on they are so pretty
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From: King Tubbys studio, CA
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted header (akumaracer)
Damn, I can't believe thats the same header, incredible job. I was just thinking about this yesterday, and what I was going to need to get the job done, now I know.
I'll have to get mine cleaned up to look good with my new valvecovers, eh Akuma
I'll have to get mine cleaned up to look good with my new valvecovers, eh Akuma
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From: at the track
Re: DIY How to polish tarnished rusted header (rodrez)
A little tip for people who dont know. When you install a header, before you start the car for the first time, put on some latex gloves and wipe down the entire header with alcohol or something similar. If you don't, the grease and oil from your hands and grime from the car will cook and leave marks on your pretty new header.
