If people would like i could make a how-to thread in tech about how to polish stainless - it isn't really the same process as polishing aluminum at all. I used wet sand grits and metal polish then poor boy's paste wax (to prevent rubber from sticking to pipe again) - but the proper way is emery and stainless compound on power tools, but this way works as well.
Having exit pipes by the tires and low to the ground make for a pretty abrasive environment.
Before:
While wet sanding, the tire side of the pipes were covered in old burnt rubber from the track and the like which was cemented onto the pipes. This was indeed hard to dislodge, it was like taking off cement from steel.
Ahh the simplicity of properly made side-pipes
My home made terrycloth/cotton buffer
Finished polishing after the last 3000 grit run through:
On the car, sorry for poor lighting:
just dust sitting on top of the pipe:
Having exit pipes by the tires and low to the ground make for a pretty abrasive environment.
Before:
While wet sanding, the tire side of the pipes were covered in old burnt rubber from the track and the like which was cemented onto the pipes. This was indeed hard to dislodge, it was like taking off cement from steel.
Ahh the simplicity of properly made side-pipes
My home made terrycloth/cotton buffer
Finished polishing after the last 3000 grit run through:
On the car, sorry for poor lighting:
just dust sitting on top of the pipe: