chrome tips - inside rust

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 19, 2007 | 05:20 PM

wildcat99

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 182

Likes: 0

chrome tips - inside rust

Just got my exhuast done about 2wks ago. Have 3-1/2 x 18-in chrome tips. The chrome plating is just on the outside and the end, none on the inside. There is rusting on the inside, just a slight dust that can be wiped out.

What can I do to slow down the rusting which I know will eventually happen whether it's from the inside or from the outside due to rock chips.

I have some Klean-Strip rust converter from Walmart that converts rust to a black primer or I have Brite-Zinc galvanizing compound for repairing damaged galvanizing.

The converter would probably work better, the Zinc would look better. Any other ideas?

Nov 19, 2007 | 07:56 PM

rebelyell618

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 563

Likes: 0

From: Llano and Huntsville, TX

when I had my dodge (dont worry I traded it for a superduty) dualed out about 6 weeks later the inside of the tips were rusted so bad I noticed them just walking by it. I ended up fixing the problem for about 4 bucks.

I took a wire brush and knocked all the rust off then I took a 4 dollar can of high heat flat back spray can paint. the ones that is usually used on bbq pits. it can hold up to 1200 degrees so just spray it inside the tips so the rust is stop from the beginning. easy fix

Nov 19, 2007 | 08:24 PM

wildcat99

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 182

Likes: 0

Thanks, good idea. I'll give that a try, should look ok, too.

I would have gone stainless, but the shop didn't have them in stock the day I had my truck done. The chrome looks good though and should last awhile with a little care.

Nov 19, 2007 | 08:55 PM

rebelyell618

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 563

Likes: 0

From: Llano and Huntsville, TX

the whole time i had the dodge for 2 years till it went to the dealership lot (a couple months back) the outside of the tips still looked new.

Nov 19, 2007 | 10:58 PM

godblessmud

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,853

Likes: 0

After you grind the rust off, id sujest POR 15'ing the clean surface

Nov 19, 2007 | 11:06 PM

"Beemer Nut"

Post Fiend

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6,658

Likes: 4

From: "Islander"

I bet the exhaust heat at the tips will destroy P15.
Hate to say it as I have seen it many times at a friends muffler shop business where people should of spent a few dollars more and installed stainless tips.
No worries as they hold their luster and can be polished if needed.

Nov 20, 2007 | 07:29 AM

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

I use Duplicolor 1200 deg ceramic paint on exhaust welds, headers and etc. Costs under $5 a can and lasts a long time, many colors are available. You can use and abrasive scotchbrite pad to remove surface rust and paint the inside of the tips. The heat from the exhaust will cure the ceramic paint.