How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?

Author Topic: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?  (Read 1129 times)

Offline 70RTdroptop

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 608
  • 1970 Challenger R/T 440-SixPack
How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« on: March 09, 2006 - 09:36:27 PM »
I'm having a hard time keeping rust from showing on my manifolds after I've coated them. I used VHT 1500 degree cast iron manifold coating, and it looks great for a while, then rust starts popping up again. I've blasted the manifolds and coated them right away, and that still doesn't seem to do the trick. Getting tired of yanking manifolds off. Anyone have any tips on how to keep that nice clean cast iron look? What's worked for you?
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440-6 convertible
1966 Ford Mustang convertible  - numbers matching (wife's car )




Offline Topcat

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 15376
  • Member since 9/16/04
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2006 - 11:21:13 PM »
Here's a reference of what media is best for what it is used for.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1478&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=688&iSubCat=1478

As far as what types of high temp paints, I'm sure that many here can tell you what they felt works best for them for a long time. Prep is the most important of course to have it last long and not have rust reappear. Avoid touching them with your bare hands after blasting. I would personally shop Eastwoods high temp paint. After painting them, put in oven to bake the paint.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2006 - 06:16:07 PM by topcatcuda »
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline Mopar73340

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1130
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2006 - 06:13:42 PM »
I used the Eastwood brush on high temp coating after bead blasting the manifolds. It holds up pretty good and have only had to touch them up once a year and it's been on for 5 years.
73-Challenger 340 727/GearVendors Auto
73-Challenger 408 Pistol-Grip 5-speed

Offline Cuda Cody

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3988
  • Vancouver, WA
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2006 - 06:33:03 PM »
Wow TopCat!  You got the answers for everything!  I was just looking for a chart like that...... Thanks :thumbsup:

Drop Top, this is another option..... I have not used it yet, but POR 15 seems to make good stuff.

http://www.por15direct.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.235/it.A/id.1452/.f

"POR-20

This Aluminum high temperature paint is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1400° F, POR-20® is also extremely weather, salt and moisture resistant. Helps prevent cracking, chipping, and peeling.

You will be excited by its performance and beauty. We guarantee this to be the most brilliant, uniform heat resistant coating available anywhere.

Can be brushed or sprayed."
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's to late to stop reading it.

Offline 70Cuda

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 432
  • 70 Cuda 383 70 Challenger 440+6 71 Challenger 383
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2006 - 09:23:47 PM »
Another option is high-heat powder coating and yes, the powder is specifically made for high heat and has held up OK for me.  For a ballpark idea, the guy did them for $60 with him doing all the work.  Of course there are other coatings too but ceramic doesn't look much like cast iron.

The POR15 Hemi orange engine paint kit turns yellow with any antifreeze so I hope the exhaust manifold coating is better.

Offline 70RTdroptop

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 608
  • 1970 Challenger R/T 440-SixPack
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2006 - 09:40:49 PM »
Hey, guys, thanks for the quick response! I'll probably be taking the manifolds off when I install the tti exhaust system, hopefully in the next couple months, so at that time I'll be re-coating the manifolds. I'll be sure to look into all the great ideas suggested here. Thanks again! :worshippy
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440-6 convertible
1966 Ford Mustang convertible  - numbers matching (wife's car )

Offline Total BS

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 742
  • '71 Carrabuda Baby!
Re: How to keep the cast iron look on manifolds?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2006 - 12:03:01 AM »
Another option to look into would be to have them Jet-Hot coated.. They have 1300 degree cast iron grey coating that I am going to use shortly. Here is the info page if you would like to request a quote.  They also sent me a video of the whole process.  Hope that helps...

http://www.jet-hot.com/pages/getestimate.php
1971 'Cuda 383
1970 Chevelle SS LS6
1999 Durango
-New Joisey-