Side pipe cover restoration

[Bradley D.]

I've taken the side pipe covers off to add the insulation, and before they go back I'd like to restore them a bit. The curved part has its share of road rash (pits, dents, etc) that I think I can file down (the ridges) and then polish. The paint is the question. I have some 'Argent' paint I used on the grille restore, but I think it is too dark. Anyone make this specific 'aluminum' paint color? Anyone have experience doing this. Thanks for all your help. Brad 54978. Also I have a question about the rocker panel (molding above the cover) as to whether it should be gloss/satin/flat/matte black.

[Michael J.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

I have used Krylon Hi-Heat Aluminum #1402 for the color, at the suggestion of some others on here who have done it. It looks fine, I have not done the black trim above, but mine looks to be a satin black.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

I have used Krylon Hi-Heat Aluminum #1402 for the color, at the suggestion of some others on here who have done it. It looks fine, I have not done the black trim above, but mine looks to be a satin black.

Thanks Michael I'll try that. The rocker panel now is a satin black, but it has been repainted. So, I wasn't sure. I'm going to redo those as well.

[Michael J.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

OK, good luck! My rocker panels have also been repainted before I got the car many years ago, but at the last Regional, I suffered no deducts for the satin looking finish on them.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Are the insulators behind the cover supposed to be black? How do you attach? Glue? How did the factory do it?

[John H.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Are the insulators behind the cover supposed to be black? How do you attach? Glue? How did the factory do it?

Brad -

The cover supplier installed the insulators - the covers arrived at St. Louis ready to install. JB Weld works well for that application.

[James W.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Brad,

After you get them restored there is an NCRS member that sells a clear plastic shield that snaps over the exhaust cover to protect them from getting road rash from the front tire.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Brad,

After you get them restored there is an NCRS member that sells a clear plastic shield that snaps over the exhaust cover to protect them from getting road rash from the front tire.

Thanks, do you know the name?

[Phillip M.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Brad, I think you are going to have more of a problem "restoring" the bright aluminum ridges of the side pipe covers. The covers are anodized. You can check this by putting ohm meter leads on the shields. If aluminum parts are anodized they are nonconductive due to the oxide layer. When you attempt to polish the aluminum you will find that it extremely difficult to break through this oxide layer. Once you break through the oxide and get the luster you are looking for, you will find that the polished surface will require constant maintenance to keep them looking good, unless of course you have them re-anodized. Clear coating would provide good protection, but not sure how that would hold up with the heat generated by the pipes.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Well I'll check into re-anodizing, but I think I'll give the clear coat a try first. Ugh, simple projects have a way of becoming difficult and complicated.

[Leif A.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Are the insulators behind the cover supposed to be black? How do you attach? Glue? How did the factory do it?

Brad,

The insulators are supposed to be flat black.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Thanks, I guess they are more to the semi gloss side of flat

[Leif A.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Thanks, I guess they are more to the semi gloss side of flat

True...just a tad.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Side pipe cover restoration

Restoration update. I have been informed that the covers are original. It has been suggested I think a bout a professional restoration service. Does anyone know of someone to recommend. Thanks