Basics: How To Clean You Exhaust Tips

[FUNX650]

I've already looked into the polishing kit and I'm going to get one. So wet sanding wouldn't be a good choice? Just skip to the compounds?

Being that your project is: 'sight unseen' to me...
I would try the "emeries" first.

I'd have to go pretty high in the "grit-rating" (8,000-10,000)
before I'd even consider wet-sanding SS as the first resort.

"Least aggressive first"; and All That Jazz.



Bob

 

[KillaCam]

Did you check hf for the kit? Last I looked it was like $18

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah that's the one I was going to pick up.

 

[KillaCam]

Being that your project is: 'sight unseen' to me...
I would try the "emeries" first.

I'd have to go pretty high in the "grit-rating" (8,000-10,000)
before I'd even consider wet-sanding SS as the first resort.

"Least aggressive first"; and All That Jazz.



Bob

From my understanding, I thought stainless steel was a metal and not a coating like chrome. So you can sand it and it is the same throughout the entire metal.

 

[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

From my understanding, I thought stainless steel was a metal and not a coating like chrome. So you can sand it and it is the same throughout the entire metal.

A chrome exhaust is a mild steel exhaust plated in chrome and a stainless steel exhaust is just stainless steel.

If you can sand and completely refinish the surface I'll do a write up on this, my exhaust tips really need it. The last owner didn't do proper detailing and it sat for 4 years with only being driven 1,000 miles a year.

 

[FUNX650]

From my understanding, I thought stainless steel was a metal and not a coating like chrome.
So you can sand it and it is the same throughout the entire metal.

Yes...
Stainless steel is made from raw materials—iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, etc.—that are melted together in an electric furnace.

I was referring to the: "Passivation Layer".
Sorry for the confusion.

So you can sand it

It's your prerogative if you want to wet-sand SS.




Bob

 

[KillaCam]

A chrome exhaust is a mild steel exhaust plated in chrome and a stainless steel exhaust is just stainless steel.

If you can sand and completely refinish the surface I'll do a write up on this, my exhaust tips really need it. The last owner didn't do proper detailing and it sat for 4 years with only being driven 1,000 miles a year.

I'll do a write up when I do my tips as well. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[KillaCam]

Yes...Stainless steel is made from raw materials—iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, etc.—that are melted together in an electric furnace

I was referring to the: "Passivation Layer".
Sorry for the confusion.


And: It's your prerogative if you want to wet-sand SS.




Bob

Your posts confuse me Bob! Lol
I'm not concerned about the passivation layer because sealed and maintained frequently. I think wet sanding is the only option the sanding marks look deep!

 

[FUNX650]

Your posts confuse me Bob! Lol
I'm not concerned about the passivation layer because sealed and maintained frequently. I think wet sanding is the only option the sanding marks look deep!

Sorry about that...

I'd appreciate it if you'd post your project's progress...
providing before and after photos if at all possible
Thanks.

Bob

 

[artofdetailing]

Being that your project is: 'sight unseen' to me...
I would try the "emeries" first.

I'd have to go pretty high in the "grit-rating" (8,000-10,000)
before I'd even consider wet-sanding SS as the first resort.

"Least aggressive first"; and All That Jazz.



Bob

Bob, which kit would you recommend? Also, which drill attachments have you been using on those flawless exhaust tips?

 

[FUNX650]

Bob, which kit would you recommend?
Also, which drill attachments have you been using on those flawless exhaust tips?

I had my supplier order one from PJ Tool...
Eastwood can also put together a nice kit for you.


Once I have the tips final-polished (going through the different "emery steps" when needed)...
Then I just clean them with either Sprayway #50 glass cleaner, or low odor mineral spirits (LOMS)...
depends on the severity of carbon build-up.

LOMS is followed by the Sprayway or P21S TAW wash.

Then for the pièce de résistance:
Simichrome polish on a mushroom buff drill attachment!

BTW: This process works pretty good on Corsa-tips too!!





Bob

 

[Scott@IncrediblyDetailed]

I'll do a write up when I do my tips as well. Thanks for the clarification.

Awesome. Can't wait to see the before and after pictures. :xyxthumbs: