What is the best way to "restore" an exhaust system to near new condition. I am planning to be judged probably next year and need to clean up my 40 year old original exhaust system. Should I replace it with aluminum, stainless steel, or scrub the rust off the original exhaust? Thanks for your help.
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Re: Exhaust Restoration
Gary,
I've been highly tempted to try the product "Safest Rust Remover" from ridrust.com for a project like this. I have used it for many items, and I think it's be perfect for an original exhaust system.
Take a look at their site. (no affiliation)
Note that they have taken on the job of "de-rusting" the Plymouth Belvedere unearthed in Tulsa, OK last summer.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code. -
Re: Exhaust Restoration
I too have used Rid Rust and find it excellent. Now you will need to build some containers for exhaust system to go into. Make them as small as possible so you reduce the amount of liquid (ridrust)needed.
OR you can try the following; Put part in water mixed with baking soda (1tbl/qt) and attach the neg end of a battery charger to it. attach the positive end to a steel bar and put into container also. Turn on and rust slowly goes to steel rod.
Did this on mine and worked great for much less money. Still use ridrust on many other parts. Used a trash barrel and removed rust in two steps since entire pipe would not fit into barrel at once.
Finish off with a little satin clear, VHT makes one for hi temp for front pipes at least. You may loss a few points for clear, but I believe an after market system will result in more lost points.Comment
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Re: Exhaust Restoration
I was thinking that if he rigged up a pump and "ran" the Ridrust over the exhaust, it would be the best option.
I'd then paint the mufflers, let them dry, and hit as much as possible with PreLube 6 on a regular basis.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Exhaust Restoration
Patrick,
I rigged up a trough system to clean some of my frame area with a sump pump to keep the flow going that would work just fine. I made the trough out of heavey 6mil vapor barrier with bucket at end to pump back onto frame through a hose with small holes in it.
I would try the electrical method first to get the big stuff off and then finish with the rid rust to get the small stuff off. No question the ridrust will do a great finish job, but again it costs. If one has the time the two step process will be less expensive.
Never tried the PreLube6, but have heard great reports on it! I just use a NAPA silicon which has certain properties that hold up very well on the bare metal parts.Comment
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Re: Exhaust Restoration
Why not leave them alone? you'll get all original points and lose some condition points. If there in good enough shape and you just need to clean, keep them.
KevinComment
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