Side pipe material question?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 5
From: Bradley Il.
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
Side pipe material question?
Hi all,
I am interested in possibly putting side pipes on my 74. However most of the Hooker style end up discolored (gray, blue etc.). Is there a material or coating that will always look like new as chrome or polished stainless? I've also considered the '69 style pipes and covers but they look like twice the price.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
I am interested in possibly putting side pipes on my 74. However most of the Hooker style end up discolored (gray, blue etc.). Is there a material or coating that will always look like new as chrome or polished stainless? I've also considered the '69 style pipes and covers but they look like twice the price.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 753
From: Doctors Inlet Florida
I have Hooker stainless side pipes and they do turn blue under the hood but the outside pipes turn a cool light gold color over time. Mine have been on for about 10 years. I've seen a lot of ceramic coated ones rust over time.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
You might laugh but I was thinking about getting the fiberglass knockoff of the original 69 and then using https://alsacorp.com/product/easy-chrome/
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I wonder if chrome plating stainless pipes would hold up?? I know that stainless can be chrome plated (different process than chrome plating regular steel) but I'm not sure how that would work out for high heat applications.. My stainless sidepipes turned golden at the collector.. Doesn't bother me..
I personally had Vettes with Chrome, black painted steel and stainless side pipes and I like the stainless ones the best.. No rust.. The chrome plated Hookers would rust where the pipes enter the collector. The black ones were rusting.. I'm not sure if ceramic coating prevents rust?? Never had those..
I personally had Vettes with Chrome, black painted steel and stainless side pipes and I like the stainless ones the best.. No rust.. The chrome plated Hookers would rust where the pipes enter the collector. The black ones were rusting.. I'm not sure if ceramic coating prevents rust?? Never had those..
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Apr 28, 2020 at 12:10 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
I got the Maximizer long tubes with side pipes about a year ago. The headers are sort of blue and the collector area has turned a slight goldish colour. The pipes themselves are still chrome colour
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 250
From: Ocean County NJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,019
Likes: 1,119
From: North tonawanda NY
bar keepers friend removes the yellowing of the sidepipes for me on my stainless obx pipes... my collectors are discolored and I chalk that up to being normal since the car is driven and not a trailer queen. ceramic coating might help but most of the coated ones Ive heard of are not stainless and eventually rot out.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 250
From: Ocean County NJ