Wrapping the headers

[pocket aces]

Has anyone used header wrap to wrap the headers? As you can see mine are very rusty thinking of using black wrap to cover them. If so any special prep? Thanks!

[Ricky-D]

Wrapping will exacerbate the rusting. Painting or coating would be a better choice.

***

[Joe Hummer]

Another option is to paint them.  You can see in my signature picture below that I have painted mine.  I used VHT Flameproof Paint(click link) on mine.  I prepped the headers but scuffing with sandpaper.  It looks like yours will need that to knock as much of the rust you can get off.  Remove your pipes, paint them, let dry, place back on the bike, and follow the cure-out procedure listed on the can.  Mine has held up pretty good over the 2 years I painted them...yeah, they need a touch up...but they aren't all rusted.    

[pocket aces]

Ok looks like the paint/coating is the way to go.
Hey JoeValkIS what color did you use? Flat Aluminum?

[pocket aces]

How many cans did you use?

[John Schmidt]

Before painting them after removing them, use some tinfoil dipped in vinegar on them along with elbow grease. Helps remove a lot of rust and might smooth them out a little before painting.

[pancho]

I painted mine with Rustoleum flat black high temp stove paint, about $5 or $6 at WalMart, almost three years ago now. They have not required touch up since. I sanded them as smooth as possible, and used several coats to fill in the pits and irregular surfaces left from the rust. Not sure if I did it all with one can, or had to get into a second one.



What brand of floor boards are those on your bike aces?

[desertrefugee]

What is this rust you guys speak of?

...just kidding.  Living in Arizona will definitely spoil you.  I almost forget what it was like to be bred, born, raised and have lived "back east".

Almost.

[mello dude]

I have a set in good condition, mbe 8.5 out of 10 for $375 shipped.

[larue]

I would just get an affordable used set

[sandy]

Jet Hot Coatings will be more permanent but more costly too. I vaguely remember "rust" when I lived on a boat on Long Island Sound.

[heavyd]

Another option is to paint them.  You can see in my signature picture below that I have painted mine.  I used VHT Flameproof Paint(click link) on mine.  I prepped the headers but scuffing with sandpaper.  It looks like yours will need that to knock as much of the rust you can get off.  Remove your pipes, paint them, let dry, place back on the bike, and follow the cure-out procedure listed on the can.  Mine has held up pretty good over the 2 years I painted them...yeah, they need a touch up...but they aren't all rusted.    

Hoping this doesn't hi-jack but I am curious about the VHT and I'll pretend the OP is as well. I've looked at VHT but it sounded like it had to be heat cured almost immediately after painting and I suspect it is going to take a lot of time, cursing, and handling to get my cobra pipes reinstalled. Any issues with reinstalling or premature wear Joe?

[Joe Hummer]

Another option is to paint them.  You can see in my signature picture below that I have painted mine.  I used VHT Flameproof Paint(click link) on mine.  I prepped the headers but scuffing with sandpaper.  It looks like yours will need that to knock as much of the rust you can get off.  Remove your pipes, paint them, let dry, place back on the bike, and follow the cure-out procedure listed on the can.  Mine has held up pretty good over the 2 years I painted them...yeah, they need a touch up...but they aren't all rusted.    

Hoping this doesn't hi-jack but I am curious about the VHT and I'll pretend the OP is as well. I've looked at VHT but it sounded like it had to be heat cured almost immediately after painting and I suspect it is going to take a lot of time, cursing, and handling to get my cobra pipes reinstalled. Any issues with reinstalling or premature wear Joe?

Hey HeavyD (and OP),

The website instructions say...for on the vehicle...
  Paint must be completely dry before curing
  Run at idle for 10 minutes
  Cool for 20 minutes
  Run at idle for 20 minutes
  Cool for 20 minute
  Run under normal operating conditions for 30 minutes

This is pretty much what I done.  I painted mine when I put glasspacks/truck stacks on...so I had the pieces separated so it was easier to work with. 



I put several coats on one day, let it dry overnight, then assembled on the bike the next day and cured them out.  When I go to redo them, I will probably not completely disassemble them, just remove from the bike and spray the headers. 

Hope this answers your questions.

Joe

[pocket aces]

Scored some sweet pipes off Craigslist for $100 within 30 minutes from my house.
Decent chrome with light scratches. Takes care of both of my problems my rusty headers and the rusty exhaust shields.

[Valkorado]

What a deal!

[gordonv]

I remember that thread posted. Looks nice beside your others.

Is that a slash cut on the end of the new ones?

Turns out my exhaust had the piggies cut off. Debating how to fix the problem. HATE that drone!

I think I'm going to start with adding on new piggies, 3/4" copper pipe. Make a jig, and try to extend them out the IS rear shield.

Chrome might be damaged. Also bent. So might end up adding on complete length truck stacks. Checked with the local wrecker, and can get used stacks for $50-$75 CAD. Might extend the piggies to the end of that, or look at adding on those 4" slip-on silencers.

I like the look of the slash cut, just wondering what direction to point them in? Waiting on the picture with the pipes on the bike.

[Gavin_Sons]

I ised the VHT header paint on my brothers bike. Did his in black but they have many different colors.  Has lasted 2 years now with no sign of chipping or peeling.  I did sand them real good and applied 3 coats.