03-09-2014, 09:55 PM
I know many of us on the forum have discussed the discoloration of our stock SS header pipes after just a few heat cycles. Many of us spend hours cleaning them with metal polish only to go for a ride and within an hour all that hard work is for naught. I personally do not dislike the light golden brown color but I cannot stand the leopard spots my pipes get up around the header flanges.
Some have discussed pulling the header and having them chromed to try and combat the discoloration. I may have stumbled upon a cheaper solution. A few years back I bought a product I had seen on TV or the Net for protecting metal boats, aluminum wheels, stainless steel, etc. The product is wiped on using a cloth diaper and protects metal for up to two years. The product is called Sharkhide Metal Protectant. I called the company and ask the rep about the possibility of using the product in high heat situations on motorcycle or car headers. He stated they had not done a lot of research in this area but he had seen a few of his customers try this on their hot rods with some success. He asked me to report back to him with my results. I decided to give it a try.
The product is clear liquid and is wiped onto clean bare metal surfaces. The metal must be absolutely clean and free of any contaminants. I first cleaned my headers with 0000 steel wool and Semichrome paste metal polish. This took me about an hour. Next I wiped the pipe surfaces down with a shop cloth and some lighter fluid (Naptha) to clean any remaining polishing compound from the pipes. Sharkhide actually recommends cleaning surfaces with lacquer thinner but I was a bit uncomfortable with using a solvent that could potentially remove automotive paint. Next tape off the painted frame surfaces with blue painters tape to prevent the Sharkhide from getting on the frame. Next choose the appropriate applicator. Sharkhide recommends a cloth diaper but I chose a piece of soft flannel I had laying around. You want a cloth that is soft to the touch. I used a piece that was about 8"x8" folded several times to form a square that could fit in the palm of my hand. Soak the diaper or flannel in Sharkhide protectant almost to the point it is dripping wet. Wipe the Sharkhide onto he pipes in a sweeping motion top to bottom. This stuff starts to tac up quickly so work fast. P.S. - You will want to wear a pair of rubber shop gloves for this step. Allow the product to dry for about 10 - 15 min. Remove tape and your done.
Here comes the interesting part. I stated the bike and the pipes began to turn almost a carmel brown and some light smoke was coming from the pipes. I thought, man I hope I did not made a mistake using this product. After several minutes of idling, the pipes began to turn clear like I had just cleaned them. I ran the bike up and down the street of about 15 min. I have not had the bike on an extended ride but so far so good. I will report back once i have the bike on the road for a few trips. This may be the easy solution we have all been looking for.
Some have discussed pulling the header and having them chromed to try and combat the discoloration. I may have stumbled upon a cheaper solution. A few years back I bought a product I had seen on TV or the Net for protecting metal boats, aluminum wheels, stainless steel, etc. The product is wiped on using a cloth diaper and protects metal for up to two years. The product is called Sharkhide Metal Protectant. I called the company and ask the rep about the possibility of using the product in high heat situations on motorcycle or car headers. He stated they had not done a lot of research in this area but he had seen a few of his customers try this on their hot rods with some success. He asked me to report back to him with my results. I decided to give it a try.
The product is clear liquid and is wiped onto clean bare metal surfaces. The metal must be absolutely clean and free of any contaminants. I first cleaned my headers with 0000 steel wool and Semichrome paste metal polish. This took me about an hour. Next I wiped the pipe surfaces down with a shop cloth and some lighter fluid (Naptha) to clean any remaining polishing compound from the pipes. Sharkhide actually recommends cleaning surfaces with lacquer thinner but I was a bit uncomfortable with using a solvent that could potentially remove automotive paint. Next tape off the painted frame surfaces with blue painters tape to prevent the Sharkhide from getting on the frame. Next choose the appropriate applicator. Sharkhide recommends a cloth diaper but I chose a piece of soft flannel I had laying around. You want a cloth that is soft to the touch. I used a piece that was about 8"x8" folded several times to form a square that could fit in the palm of my hand. Soak the diaper or flannel in Sharkhide protectant almost to the point it is dripping wet. Wipe the Sharkhide onto he pipes in a sweeping motion top to bottom. This stuff starts to tac up quickly so work fast. P.S. - You will want to wear a pair of rubber shop gloves for this step. Allow the product to dry for about 10 - 15 min. Remove tape and your done.
Here comes the interesting part. I stated the bike and the pipes began to turn almost a carmel brown and some light smoke was coming from the pipes. I thought, man I hope I did not made a mistake using this product. After several minutes of idling, the pipes began to turn clear like I had just cleaned them. I ran the bike up and down the street of about 15 min. I have not had the bike on an extended ride but so far so good. I will report back once i have the bike on the road for a few trips. This may be the easy solution we have all been looking for.