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The exhaust manifolds on the '61 need some attention. I have no idea how they were previously treated but I'm guessing it was some high temp paint. Locally can buy VHT gray but I might be able to find DupliColor. Thoughts on these? Or should I just order some POR-15 factory manifold gray high temperature coating?
POR-15 Exhaust Gray....wire brush, clean thoroughly with lacquer thinner on COLD manifold and apply per instructions. If you use that VHT f*ing crap you just might get nice gold manifolds like on my '63 once its gone through the heat cycle...
And, no, the pic wasn't Photoshopped - that's the actual color that junk turned my manifolds....very popular though in some areas of the inner city
You've been warned.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-09-2016 at 10:32 AM.
POR-15 Exhaust Gray....wire brush, clean thoroughly with lacquer thinner on COLD manifold and apply per instructions. If you use that VHT f*ing crap you just might get nice gold manifolds like on my '63 once its gone through the heat cycle...
I used POR-15 on mine.. I painted them on the motor, with a 1/2-inch disposable foam brush. Masked off the valve covers.. The prep was just wire brush, air blow, and a wipe with acetone.
You really need to pull them off to get the under-sides... but from the top, it looks pretty good.
If you can get the car on a lift, you can get pretty good coverage and do a passable job...
Prep is EVERYthing though or you'll see the stuff start to flake off after a while (ask me how I know)...
Prep is EVERYthing though or you'll see the stuff start to flake off after a while (ask me how I know)...
Good point. Mine were just rusted iron.. no previous paint. The POR went on very easy and looks as good now after 2 years and many heat cycles.
But if you have flakes of a prior paint job on there, make sure you fully remove it. Probably best results require pulling the manifolds and soda-blast (or something-blast) them.
My past experiences have always been do it right the first time or don't do it at all. (Pull them off, & do it right)!!!
A huge part of owning these awesome cars is pre-planning & executing projects that are not only functional but also esthetically pleasing, it pays dividends later down the road when time to sell.
Besides it gives you self satisfaction for a job well done!
I've used stove paint and steam radiator paint. Lasts 10+ years, and cheap. Available in many colors. Frankie, you could remove one of those gold manifolds and wear it around your neck on a chain for added 'street cred' when attending NCRS events!!
Back when I first got my '61 and later my '57, I used a spray paint (rattle can) called Cast Blast. I don't have pictures handy but the manifolds still look great. At NCRS Regional meets, they both achieved Top Flight with no deductions on the manifolds.
I use POR 15 Cast Iron Gray and I get a small paint brush and paint it on with exhaust manifold is on the car. I take my time and cover everything that you can see, bolt heads and all. Then I start the car and go for about a 15 min ride and come home and park the car outside and raise the hood. It will stink for a little bit but about your second or third trip there will be no small. Just smalls like hot paint not all that bad but you do not want to stink up the garage. It will last for years and years plus you do not have to take the exhaust manifolds off to do it.
I've used stove paint and steam radiator paint. Lasts 10+ years, and cheap. Available in many colors. Frankie, you could remove one of those gold manifolds and wear it around your neck on a chain for added 'street cred' when attending NCRS events!!
It was a crazy deal Jeff. The VHT paint looked fine at first and I followed the directions to a "T". As time went on my nice silvery-gray exhausts took on a yellowish cast, then after about a month they 'blinged out' into the Pimp My Ride color above. I was embarrassed to raise the hood until I could fix it. I complained to the VHT producer and their form letter response was to send me another can.
Yeah right.
That'd be like the guy hitting himself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when he stops
I won't go within 10 feet of a can of that stuff again.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-09-2016 at 03:38 PM.
I use POR 15 Cast Iron Gray and I get a small paint brush and paint it on with exhaust manifold is on the car. I take my time and cover everything that you can see, bolt heads and all. Then I start the car and go for about a 15 min ride and come home and park the car outside and raise the hood. It will stink for a little bit but about your second or third trip there will be no small. Just smalls like hot paint not all that bad but you do not want to stink up the garage. It will last for years and years plus you do not have to take the exhaust manifolds off to do it.
POR does recommend curing at room temp for 24 hours BEFORE heat curing.. Also, 24 hours between coats.
Mine took longer than that even baking in the hot sun for hours. Can you use your wife's oven? Ahh there is nothing like the smell of POR paint baking! Hey son! Come over here and take a big whiff!
Just did my 60 this weekend with POR 15 manifold gray high temp. Did them on the car with brush. One coat Sat, one coat Sun, and drove yesterday. Does smell like a new oven element at first, but is getting fainter now. Takes very little product to cover, and about 20 minutes per side to apply.
12-09-2016, 10:26 AM
'61 exhaust manifolds need to look better
