Restoring Exhaust Headers and pipes

[BSMan1011]

Ok so this is a fairly repeated thread but I just want to ask... So my headers and pipes are beginning to rust and I want to stop it before it gets worse, I have read about painting them with Auto or BBQ Paint but really don't want to take them off. I have also rad about stove polish which from the pics I have seen looks great, I know neither is a permanent fix but can anyone compare the two for me as far as lasting effect and durability? Also I haven't seen anything mentioned but does this overheat the engine at all?
I just got my GS500 a month or two ago and it is in good condition but those pipes are bugging me, and I don't want to break a bolt or anything and also can't afford sand blasting right now. I think I will use some stove polish from menards or lowes and try it soon, I will post pics before and after and will try to update this for lasting effects in case anyone else wants to see as well.
Any advice for the process would be great as well!


First Post

[DoD#i]

Advice:

Buy some new exhaust gaskets and take the pipe off and paint it. Wire brush or sandpaper or scotch-brite works - I certainly don't have a sandblaster handy, either.

Any other way is going to be half-fast at best. Can't get the rust off the whole pipe if it's in place on the bike. And it wastes a good deal more time trying to than taking it off so as to quickly & easily do a good job...

[adidasguy]

Rutlands Stove Polish in the tube can do wonders.

Being a  wax, as you rub it in it will get down into every nook and cranny. Not as permanent as paint. However it does not chip and is easy to re-do anytime you want without removing the pipes.

If you don't want to remove the pipes, then scotch-brite first then use...


We have used it here is West Seattle.

[weedahoe]

I do have a blasting cabinet and although it is big, it isnt long enough to do pipes and the muffler. BUT, you can buy a portable blaster that you use out in the open. They are great for frames and such and do not cost a lot. If you have a HF or even a TSC, you can buy the blasting media there cheap.

I use Oshpo for a chemical reaction to rust. LPS-3 is also good stuff.

[mustangGT90210]

Don't be too afraid to take your entire exhaust off. I've done it on mine twice now, first time because the bolts rattled their way out of one side. Put it back on and tightened it down, no leaks, no gaskets. I just wire brushed mine and it looked 10x better, but I won't hesitate to pull it off to paint it in the coming weeks