Preserving NOS sidepipes

[Larry S.]

I got a pretty good deal on a set of NOS sidepipes for my 67. They have only slight surface rust on the section that mounts to the exhaust manifold manifold, which I can remove with steel wool. Until I'm ready to mount them (if my original pipes get unbearably loud), what is the best way to preserve them? I will keep them in my workshop, which is unheated and uncooled, moderate climate with high humidity.

BTW, I know that the section that mounts to the manifold is steel, but is the remainder aluminum? The remainder (long section with the dimples) has no rust.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

If it were me, I'd spray them with some PreLube 6 as that will do a great job of preserving them.

Else check at a local machine supply store for the CRC products. I'd look at the SP-250 or SP-350. They are dry film lubricants that will act as a barrier until you decide to someday use the pipes. Think of them as a "thin" cosmolene.

Patrick

[Bill I.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

Larry, if possible, get them into a controlled enviorment. Hey they are not that big. Under the bed when the wife's not home? Bill

[Tom H.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

Nice find ! If they were mine, I'd put them in the living room !! Seriously though. They are 40 + years old. They have survived with only minor surface rust thus far. They will probably last another 40 in your shop. But...... you are like the rest of us and look at these parts as a treasure. They are. Spray them or wipe them with an oil of some sort, as others have suggested. Lay them away and they'll be fine when you get ready to install them.

[Larry S.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

Thanks, everybody!

[Paul J.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

Larry:

There may be better products on the market, but Water Desicant Formula # 40 (WD40) was designed to protect bare steel. I've used it on bare saw blades and other metal parts in a humid environment with good results. The advantage to this thin oil is that is easy to remove, or to burn off.

Paul

[Steven B.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

I have to go with Bill---under the bed. I have tachometers, wheels, Blue Streaks, clips, etc. stored all over the house---where my wife doesn't go that often. I had an engine in the master bedroom for a few years. Each night we would go to bed, I would smile, give a soft kiss and a pat on the 9 fin, snuggle up to the dogs, then ask my wife to turn the TV on Leno. I sure miss that engine but it is too uncomfortable sleeping in the garage now.

I have found closets and under the bed work well for those special parts.

[John H.]

Re: Preserving NOS sidepipes

BTW, I know that the section that mounts to the manifold is steel, but is the remainder aluminum? The remainder (long section with the dimples) has no rust.

Larry -

No portion of the sidepipes is aluminum - the portion without any rust (the dimpled outer pipe section) is most likely aluminized steel.