Exhaust manifold paint

[arton4wheels]

  For the exhaust manifolds I know to go with cast gray.  However, I don't want to trust such a hard job to any paint.  I have read enough negativity about the quickie exhaust paints from VHT and the like you would just grab off any auto parts store shelf.  No, this is the job of a specialized product if you want it to last, which I certainly do.  There is POR15, Hirsch, and Seymour paints that I am looking into.  I am going for the factory look, so I wont be going the route of ceramic coatings.  After all, they didn't have that in 1950.

  I would like to hear your experiences with what products you have used folks.  Not just how it looked when done, but also how it held up with heat and time.  I do like how the CLC Cadillac museum and research center at the Gilmore museum did the 331 in their display.  I am all ears about it.

[bcroe]

I don't think there is a coating that will last a lifetime on exhaust manifolds
(used on a regular basis).  Stainless headers will last, not very stock.  There
is a lot of stainless under my cars.  Bruce Roe

[arton4wheels]

I don't think there is a coating that will last a lifetime on exhaust manifolds
(used on a regular basis).  Stainless headers will last, not very stock.  There
is a lot of stainless under my cars.  Bruce Roe

Yeah, I know it wont last forever.  I know ceramic is great but I wouldn't want that unless I could have it done to look stock.  Plus expense is not cost effective IMHO.

[Glen]

I wish I could remember what I put on the exhaust manifolds on my 68 ELDO.  It is a gray metallic and has not burned off in about 100,000 miles.  The paint does not set up until you run the car.  The heat sets it.    I’ll look to see if I still have a part of a can around.   

[Jason Edge]

I used the Bill Hirsch Cast Iron Gray on my 64 429 rebuild 5 years ago. About 4K miles later it is still holding up well. You can see it on my Engine Paint Tips article link at www.enginepaintingtips.6364cadillac.com. In the article, on 3rd page, you will note I cured Hi Temp Primer, then the Exhaust Paint at 250, 350, and 450 degrees for 30 minutes. Worked well for me.

[Scot Minesinger]

I used the Eastwood manifold paint.  It is available in the cast gray.  After about 10k miles of some hot running use, it still looks great, has not burned off.  Get the quart can (a lifetime supply) and brush it on, that way it will be nice and thick, and since it is a rough surface - no brush marks will be visible.  The spray is thinner applications.  The heat does set it too.  All these paints suggested are probably all similar.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I used the Eastwood manifold paint.  It is available in the cast gray.  After about 10k miles of some hot running use, it still looks great, has not burned off.  Get the quart can (a lifetime supply) and brush it on, that way it will be nice and thick, and since it is a rough surface - no brush marks will be visible.  The spray is thinner applications.  The heat does set it too.  All these paints suggested are probably all similar.

+1 on the Eastwood paint.  I have it on my '55 and it looks great even after 10 years.

Mike

[arton4wheels]

I wish I could remember what I put on the exhaust manifolds on my 68 ELDO.  It is a gray metallic and has not burned off in about 100,000 miles.  The paint does not set up until you run the car.  The heat sets it.    I’ll look to see if I still have a part of a can around.

100K miles and it STILL looks good??  Yes please find out that supplier!

I used the Bill Hirsch Cast Iron Gray on my 64 429 rebuild 5 years ago. About 4K miles later it is still holding up well. You can see it on my Engine Paint Tips article link at www.enginepaintingtips.6364cadillac.com. In the article, on 3rd page, you will note I cured Hi Temp Primer, then the Exhaust Paint at 250, 350, and 450 degrees for 30 minutes. Worked well for me.

Yes I know I recently saved the article!  How has it held up with use though and how much use?

[oldcarguy]

Yep, used Eastwood on my '55, 56, 59 Chevys and it looks good and last for a long time. As with anything else, the better the prep, the longer it lasts and the better it looks!

Now, I just got my '41 back from the shop after an engine rebuild and a bunch of other stuff and the exhaust manifolds need help. I'm not going the high dollar original route, so, how is the Hirsch high temp coating? I suppose the black would look best, your opinions, thoughts would be appreciated...
Thanks

Don Ford

[Jay Friedman]

Nice looking early '49 motor.  What car will it be installed in?

[arton4wheels]

Nice looking early '49 motor.  What car will it be installed in?

  That engine is the one displayed in the Cadillac research center at Gilmore Museum.  I included the photos as an example.

[Jon S]

Yep, used Eastwood on my '55, 56, 59 Chevys and it looks good and last for a long time. As with anything else, the better the prep, the longer it lasts and the better it looks!

Now, I just got my '41 back from the shop after an engine rebuild and a bunch of other stuff and the exhaust manifolds need help. I'm not going the high dollar original route, so, how is the Hirsch high temp coating? I suppose the black would look best, your opinions, thoughts would be appreciated...
Thanks

Don Ford

I too have used Eastwood and have had very good luck with it!