Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips... How to make them look good? (Pictures inside)

koko_b_ware · 03-05-05, 09:16

I had a new exhaust system installed on my truck a few weeks ago, and the tips are stainless steel. After driving on the sandy and salty streets, they are already starting to look like a$s.

What do I use on these? Steel wool? Billet polish?

I cleaned them up with Simple green, then used Lemon Pledge on them for the time being. (I've heard from many bikers that pledge is the secret to shining chrome!) You can see all the crap and scratches in the close up.

Pics:

Whole truck shot:

mtodde · 03-05-05, 09:23

The reflections off your truck are incredible!

SilverLexus and I used the P21S polishing soap on our exhaust tips this afternoon and it worked great. Unfortunately we didn't have a digital camera with us to take pics.

I find Simple Green to be a very versatile product although I rarely use it - I've got too many "specialty" products LOL.

koko_b_ware · 03-05-05, 09:29

Thanks mtodde. Are your tips stainless steel? All I have for metal polish right now is Flitz. I might give this a try before I but something else.

vdog0531 · 03-05-05, 10:21

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...162#post504162

koko_b_ware · 03-05-05, 10:25

Thanks vdog

TOGWT · 03-06-05, 09:01

Exhaust System:
Stainless steel is a strong, robust and durable metal that far exceeds life spans of several other materials. Stainless steel is not just one material; it is a family of chromium containing steels, which all possesses an inherent resistance to corrosion. The chromium is distributed throughout the steel and its purpose is to form a sub-microscopic surface layer of hard, adherent chromium oxide on steel, a few atoms thick.

The film is known as the passive layer, and it protects the underlying material from attack by corrosive species. If the layer is damaged in any way, it instantly reforms in the presence of oxygen to protect the surface of the material." [http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/] To polish use a mild polish (Happich Simichrome) to remove stubborn stains use an abrasive polish (Heavy Metal® Ultra Fine Abrasive Polish)

Exhaust Tips / Pipes:
To clean exhaust piping use a polishing powder (Blue Coral Blue Buster) to remove ‘blue’ from exhaust pipes wet towel and polish, it will not scratch chrome, can also be used on brass and stainless steel.For exhaust pipe polishing use a strip impregnated with a metal polish (Luster Strips) (See also Chrome / Stainless Steel Exhaust)
JonM

vdog0531 · 03-06-05, 10:30

Quote:

Originally posted by TOGWT
Exhaust System:
Stainless steel is a strong, robust and durable metal that far exceeds life spans of several other materials. Stainless steel is not just one material; it is a family of chromium containing steels, which all possesses an inherent resistance to corrosion. The chromium is distributed throughout the steel and its purpose is to form a sub-microscopic surface layer of hard, adherent chromium oxide on steel, a few atoms thick.

The film is known as the passive layer, and it protects the underlying material from attack by corrosive species. If the layer is damaged in any way, it instantly reforms in the presence of oxygen to protect the surface of the material." [http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/] To polish use a mild polish (Happich Simichrome) to remove stubborn stains use an abrasive polish (Heavy Metal® Ultra Fine Abrasive Polish)

Exhaust Tips / Pipes:
To clean exhaust piping use a polishing powder (Blue Coral Blue Buster) to remove ‘blue’ from exhaust pipes wet towel and polish, it will not scratch chrome, can also be used on brass and stainless steel.For exhaust pipe polishing use a strip impregnated with a metal polish (Luster Strips) (See also Chrome / Stainless Steel Exhaust)
JonM

you da man!!

Vernon

eclipsegt05 · 03-06-05, 10:36

thanks TOGWT for all of the great information you share with thus!

I personally use mother's mag polish to polish my exhaust tip after cleaning with soap and water

SilverLexus · 03-06-05, 07:20

I have been testing the new P21S metal polishing soap. It works very well.

I hope to post pics by tomorrow of the chrome exhaust on my ES.

Ragtop_Rob · 03-07-05, 06:50

There is a product called "Heavy Metal" - They have a medium liquid polish that works GREAT on the 4 tip stainless exhaust on my Vette - The stuff is GREAT

gtpaul · 03-07-05, 06:54

There is a product called Nevr-Dull, it comes in a blue can. I use it on my tips, salt/rust/some black stuff/ takes it right off makes them look shiney again. I'd reccommend that if you can find it.

jasonmac · 03-07-05, 08:28

I just got some P21S metal polishing soap, and I'll try to write something up with pics when I do my undercarriage in a few weeks (hopefully 3-4).

I have been using P21S MultiFinish restorer, and that's worked well for me, though its a bit of work. Hopefully, the soap polish will work as advertised!