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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Polishing Stainless Steel - NEED HELP!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Reed
  • Start date Start date Aug 1, 2006
R

Reed

New Member
Mar 31, 2005
78
0
0
BC, Canada
Aug 1, 2006
#1
  • Aug 1, 2006
  • #1
Okay, here's what happened. I just ordered some stainless steel headers today, but I think I ordered the wrong ones. Because I didn't do some research and some weird pictures were up, I bought headers with a natural stainless steel finish. Turns out that natural stainless steel is ugly as hell, as opposed to ceramic coated stainless steel which is nice and shiney.

Here are my questions. Should I:
a) Call back and try to buy the ceramic coated headers for an extra $100 or...
b) Try to polish the suckers when they come in?

Is there a good way to do this, because I looked up some methods and it doesn't look fun. I also have some chrome spray paint left over from another project, maybe that's a good route? I already checked the Shine Shop and nothing, plus I figure Dave will be by here. Let me know what you think, thanks!
 

68torinogt

Hey guys, guess what--I have a bi-pass!!!
Mar 21, 2006
0
0
53
Welcome my son, welcome to the machine
Aug 1, 2006
#2
  • Aug 1, 2006
  • #2
i would send them back for the ceramic there is nothing like the shiny coating. were the others ceramic or polished stainless? i would not suggest polishing or painting these brand new parts. if you decide to polish set aside a weekend to do so it is very time consuming and will tanish after you run them for a few min. . hope this helps
 

Vinnietbird

Member
Jun 2, 2005
584
3
19
Aug 1, 2006
#3
  • Aug 1, 2006
  • #3
I got coated BBK's .NICE.
 

68torinogt

Hey guys, guess what--I have a bi-pass!!!
Mar 21, 2006
0
0
53
Welcome my son, welcome to the machine
Aug 1, 2006
#4
  • Aug 1, 2006
  • #4
i do too i like them and they always loiok the same
 

ExplodingGopher

New Member
Jun 11, 2004
517
0
0
The mistake on the lake (Ohio)
Aug 2, 2006
#5
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #5
its impossible to polish them once they are welded together. When we build polished SS headers at work, we send out the individual pipes, flanges and collectors seperated to get polished then after they come back all nice and shiny theu get welded together, you can't get into all those nooks and crannies once they're togther to polish them, the best route for you would be jet hot coating.
 

pb_paulie_b

Founding Member
May 19, 2001
894
0
0
Chaptico, Maryland
Aug 2, 2006
#6
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #6
DO NOT POLISH THEM.
Stainless steel is a P.I.T.A to polish.
They will 'tarnish' and probably faster then normal from the heat and cool cycling.
Also mostly likely your chrome paint will become useless the first time you start your car.
Basically if you want headers to look nice and stay looking nice ceramic coat them. Even real chrome headers flake and rust rather quickly.
 

Roland69

Sergeant Tangnet
Sep 17, 2005
2,867
2
58
Port Elgin, Ontario
Aug 2, 2006
#7
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #7
stainless is a PITA to polish.....even sanding them is a job
 

Roland69

Sergeant Tangnet
Sep 17, 2005
2,867
2
58
Port Elgin, Ontario
Aug 2, 2006
#8
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #8
I wouldn't polish them if you payed me 150 bucks
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Aug 2, 2006
#9
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #9
pb_paulie_b said:
DO NOT POLISH THEM.
Stainless steel is a P.I.T.A to polish.
They will 'tarnish' and probably faster then normal from the heat and cool cycling.
Also mostly likely your chrome paint will become useless the first time you start your car.
Basically if you want headers to look nice and stay looking nice ceramic coat them. Even real chrome headers flake and rust rather quickly.
Click to expand...

I even bought nice polished ceramic ones and they now remain a solid gray. They aren't chippng or anything but they're not shiny like when I bought them. Such a shame, they were beatiful
 
R

Reed

New Member
Mar 31, 2005
78
0
0
BC, Canada
Aug 2, 2006
#10
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #10
Alright, thanks for the responses guys. I called back and luckily it was early enough to cancel the original order, so I have ceramic coated headers on the way!

Dave, really sorry to hear that with your engine bay and all and especially now that mine are coming. No way to spruce 'em up? Does this usually happen; the ceramic just dulls?
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Aug 2, 2006
#11
  • Aug 2, 2006
  • #11
As far as I've seen in person. I hear people saying theirs still look good but never show pictures
 
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