Ceramic engine paint caution

[Troy P.]

I used the Chevy engine orange paint with ceramic in hopes that it would last on the exhaust manifolds and prevent rust. But it did burn the orange off in the center and left a light brownish orange color in that area. The paint on the ends is still intact and is orange. I think the paint remnants in the center are still protecting the manifold from rusting as the cast iron is not bare.

Here's the caution:

I got docked one or more judging points for a non standard color after burn off. Judge says it should just be bare cast iron in appearance. I looked at other cars on the show field and they would have met his expectation.

Any suggestions as to what coating I might apply now to provide the bare look the judges desire? Preferably a coating that lasts and prevents rust and does not require exhaust manifold removal.

[Richard G.]

Re: Ceramic engine paint caution



Would this work?
I have been happy with the looks. (Without the orange on the ends)
I would clean and paint the complete manifold with the POR15 high heat and then just re-paint the ends Chevy Orange.
This product is available, in my little town, at the auto paint store.

How would it look? I am not sure but the POR 15 by itself seems to hold up well enough.
Worth a try?
You will likely get comments from actual members with some experience in this area.

[Mark E.]

Re: Ceramic engine paint caution

Are you talking about the exhaust manifolds?

Or the intake manifold and its exhaust cross-over?

[Gene M.]

[Joe R.]

Re: Ceramic engine paint caution

There is at least one article published in "The Restorer" on the restoration of Exhaust Manifolds.

Read it! It works!

JR

[Ken R.]

Re: Ceramic engine paint caution

In the old days, I used a product called OSPHO to coat my manifolds after I had them sandblasted. It is a phosphoic acid treatment that changes rust to a natural "black" look. This treatment lasted many years for my 65 judging.
http://www.ospho.com/ Amazon sells it also.