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Cermakrome for my collector?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Wirehairs, Jun 5, 2012.

  1. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    Hi everyone. I'm getting close to cleaning up an original exhaust to put on my Seca 550, and the collector required the most work. Here is it after all the cleaning I could do.

    I would like to coat it with something to minimize future rusting, and the only thing I can think of is taking it to get it cermakromed, or powder-coated for high temps. Think this is the best route? I did buy some high temp Rustoleum, but gather now that it wouldn't stick so well to chrome, even with a primer, right? And I don't want to go through the work of roughing up the surface. Anyhow know if I'll need to do any more prep to have it cermakromed? I don't know if they sandblast it prior, or what... Thanks.
     

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  2. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    Oh, and yes, I will be removing that gasket still on there... :p
     
  3. Metal_Bob

    Metal_Bob Active Member

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    I plan on Por-15 Black Velvet'ing mine along with the headers and maybe the mufflers (they may stay chrome).

    Via email, they claimed I justed needed to clean (and deflake the loose rust) and prep before painting (using their products obviously).

    If you are sending it out to a company, I'd assume there high prices include any necessary prepping and chrome stripping...
     
  4. smurf667

    smurf667 Member

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    This has gained my interest, as I too am thinking of doing something to protect the collector box. I will follow this with interest. Sorry I couldn't be any help for you wirehairs
     
  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I use Rust-Oleum VHT (2000 degree) aluminum paint.

    If you look closely at your collector box, you'll see where the factory "painted" over the post-plating welds with something similar.

    I "decant" the stuff (spray it into a suitable container) and apply liberally with a brush to the rusty areas. It holds up quite well, and overall appearance isn't super important since you can't see the collector box anyway.

    I'll get a couple of pics up when I get a sec.
     
  6. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    Now that you say that, Fitz, I did notice that coating over the weld... So, is the metal here really just polished and not chrome? Most importantly though, if it has worked for you, that's enough for me. Did you rough up the surface before you painted it? My last question then is whether I use the hightemp primer or not? I guess for $6, I should be cheap, right? Yeah... I know I'm cheap.
     
  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    The collector "box" was chrome plated; but then some 'assembly' welding was done afterward.

    Yamaha protected those welds with some sort of painted-on "aluminum colored" finish. I figured I'd do likewise.

    I wire-brushed the rusty areas; used Naval Jelly to dissolve/remove as much rust as possible; made sure everything was as clean and dry as possible then "flushed" the affected areas with lacquer thinner; then brushed on the paint. The rust had already "roughed up" the areas requiring attention. I didn't use a primer. I only painted the rust-removed areas, not the whole box.
     
  8. smurf667

    smurf667 Member

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    personally I'd want to paint the whole thing
     
  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Like I said, it was chrome plated; and except for the areas on the front, extreme rear and around the head pipe "spigots" the chrome (as in the pic above) is still in great shape.

    I've done the same "treatment" on both of my 550 Secas now; it seems to hold up really well, and keeps any rust from really taking a hold.

    I try to drop the whole system every 3~4 years or so (the factory says annually, but they aren't doing the work) for cleaning/maintenance and like I said, the "treatment" is holding up well as is the original chrome on 75% of the collector box.

    If the collector box is in as good a condition as the one in the pic, it's completely unnecessary to try to refinish the whole thing. All you can see are the heat shields. All that needs to be done is "stop" the rust, if the box is solid.
     
  10. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    Thanks for mentioning the Naval Jelly. I have some, and wasn't sure if I should use it or not. I'll post pics at the end. You know... for amusement.

    I read the can of Rustoleum, and see they want me to bake it between coats. And then, after installed, run it in short spurts to gradually "cure" it. Interesting.
     
  11. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    RE: Naval Jelly-- just don't get it on the "pretty" chrome (the heat shields.)

    RE: All the baking between coats, etc., is fine if you cared what it will look like afterward. BUT you can't see it. I painted mine, let it dry and reinstalled it. Again, I only painted the rusted areas, and slathered it on with a brush.
     
  12. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    Here's the final result after 5 coats of paint to each side. I'm happy with it. You can see a blob of JB Weld in the lower center used to cover a pin hole. I did cook this in the oven as recommended, but will warm you that this thing smokes more than I thought it would! Remove those batteries from your smoke detectors!
     

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  13. moellear

    moellear Member

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    thats porn right there
     
  14. mook1al

    mook1al Member

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    Nice! Those things are getting scarce, especially in decent condition. That will certainly help to ward of the rust.
     
  15. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    damn. that's shiny.
     
  16. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    What's cool too is that I saw that Rustoleum now makes a Chrome paint. No kidding. But no, it's not rated for high heat. However, someone I know said that even regular Rustoleum has worked for him on his cylinder heads. So, for $3.50 (on sale), I bought a can and will try some out in some tiny places on an original exhaust I'm now installing. I'll let the group know if it peels or stays, and how it looks.
     
  17. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    that should be interesting. chrome paint always has seemed sketch imho.
     

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