Exhaust Polishing

[hyu]

I was trolling forums. Stumbled upon an article on rx8forums and was tempted to try it
Mothers Mag, Aluminum, and chrome polish
Before
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs604.ash2/155649_10150092546312959_502932958_7337495_315247_ n.jpg
after
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs614.ash2/156607_10150092567132959_502932958_7337945_2184336 _n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1128.snc4/149008_10150092562922959_502932958_7337873_3866602 _n.jpg
Had to use a really soft steelwool to get the inside of the exhaust soot free.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1129.snc4/149159_10150092578067959_502932958_7338094_2822789 _n.jpg
Had waterspots, was tarnished yellowish, and had soot everywhere
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1137.snc4/149923_10150092579167959_502932958_7338110_6216504 _n.jpg
After

You can really see all the blemishes and scratches on the exhaust tip. It looks better though all shiny
Sorry for the bad pics. Samsung Galaxy cameraphone =/

[Rodger Johnson]

That exhaust looks beautiful. Polishing aluminum/chrome rims, and exhaust tips really add that extra detail on a detailed car, just like refinishing hazed/cloudy headlamps.

I use the Optimum Metal Polish. Optimum Metal Polish, chrome polish, wheel polish, aluminum polish, motorcycle polish, how to polish metal (http://www.autogeek.net/auto-metal-polish.html)

It works very well for the cars i've used it on. I tried it for the 1st time on my 03 Acura (which has never had the exhaust polished since I bought it in 2003), and just like you found out, I had to put some extra work into the inside bottom of the exhaust tip to remove that embedded black soot. After it's all said and done, it was well worth it.

Nice job. I may try that Mother's product some time.

[CEE DOG]

You can also use a wheel cleaner on the inside of those tips to clean them before you start polishing. Saves some of the work.

[C. Charles Hahn]

You can also use a wheel cleaner on the inside of those tips to clean them before you start polishing. Saves some of the work.

Indeed. I usually use P21S TAW though.

[jonn127]

speaking of 03 Acuras, aren't the insides of the tips actually a black coating to begin with or something like that? I've read where people actually removed it all thinking it was caked on junk, but actually it came that way from the factory.

[Bobby B.]

I like to use the P21s Polishing Soap and some #0000 Steel Wool. Once the tips are cleaned I like to use the Wenol (Blue) for a brilliant luster.

[DarkShadow04]

you should pull an 04sleeper on that whole pipe!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3879353899_695f299332_o.jpg

[hyu]

If I had a Cobra and had that stainless steel setup I would def keep it polished.

I only drive a neon
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs331.ash2/61145_468262652958_502932958_6710641_5853526_n.jpg

Any recommendations on what cameras to use when shooting pictures of cars?

[DarkShadow04]

ahhh, well i assumed you had an RX8, but still that would look good on your car. your pipe is not stainless? or is it aluminized steel?

the catback on my 99 cobra is only aluminized steel so i cant polish it up either.:mad:


edit: if anyone wants pointers on how to polish exhaust....this is how the guy i mentioned above (04sleeper) did his SVTPerformance - View Single Post - ~ How To Polish Your Exhaust~ (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/7832135-post1.html)

[hyu]

ahhh, well i assumed you had an RX8, but still that would look good on your car. your pipe is not stainless? or is it aluminized steel?

the catback on my 99 cobra is only aluminized steel so i cant polish it up either.:mad:

I believe its aluminumied steel. So I can't really polish to the shine I want it too. It's def nicer now but you can notice the imperfections of the 2.5" 7 piping haha

Never had a RX8. I dislike rotary engines most of the ones in my neck of the woods sound like weedwackers about to blow up

[FUNX650]

Before polishing SS exhaust system components, and making sure that the exhaust system is cold, I always have good results cleaning them with either: a) baking soda paste solution; b) bug/tar remover;
or c) laquer/paint thinner. One should see metal without any or very few black spots. Then the polishing with a mushroom buff begins with a good grade of brown or green metal finishing compound to remove small scratches or other defects. I always complete this task with an application of Simichrome as my final polish.

A quick wipe down of the tips after driving the vehicle (while they have some moisture on them), with a couple of double-folded cloths (for protecting against potential hot spots) is all that is needed to keep them looking good.

[jonn127]

where does one get some of the brown or green metal finishing compound?

[ScottB]

quad zero steel wool and Flitz or Simichrome works for me. I do preclean them with wheel cleaner or such prior to washing while doing the wheels.

[sullysdetailing]

I use Optima Metal Polish and steel wool if there really bad S100 Polishing Soap with steel wool fallowed by Optima Metal Polish

[FUNX650]

There is a wholesale/retail company close to me that specializes in all polishing/buffing supplies.