Paint stainless headers?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2019
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Paint stainless headers?
I got cheap shorty headers for my 390 build. The tubes are stainless, but the part that mounts to the head is not. Should I paint them? Assuming the stainless can’t rust, as time goes by will they probably look better with paint or without?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3,554
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Stainless is not rustproof, some are better than others. It will not retain paint well due to chrome content. If you want better looks clean it up as best you can and live with it or buy new headers. Here's a little FYI on stainless.
https://arthurharris.com/news/304-vs...ainless-steel/
https://arthurharris.com/news/304-vs...ainless-steel/
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
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Assuming the SS doesn't rust I'd say they'd look better bare, it might even be worth polishing them up a little, just paint the flange in high temp SS look paint. If they might rust, I'd look into having them sandblasted before painting them, it's the only way I've seen paint last on headers. Otherwise take your time making sure every teeny tiny little spot is sanded so the paint has something to bite onto. If it's still a little shiny, it's not good enough. Then degrease them well right before you paint them. Don't touch them without gloves while or after you clean them. After that follow the paint manufacturers instructions exactly. You'll need a special primer.
https://www.ehow.com/how_7172319_pai...l-exhaust.html
https://www.ehow.com/how_7172319_pai...l-exhaust.html
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