Side Pipes
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Side Pipes
I have a 68 with Hooker side pipes. Cruising around yesterday I ran over a plastic bag. The bag melted to the header part of the side pipes. I have been using a razor blade to get it off, but it scratches the chrome. Any tips to remove it without heating the pipes with a heat gun or torch?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 2,037
From: Minnesota
It seems like this is a pretty common issue on motorcycles too. The solutions seemed to be oven cleaner (on just the pipe, try to avoid overspray,) scraping it off then polishing the scratches out, or just continuing to drive and let it burn itself off. I would be concerned about some discoloration with the last method, you might be able to buff it out though.
I have a lot of oily buildup on my stainless headers and oven cleaner didn’t seem to do much to clean them. I would be interested in learning other methods of cleaning them.
I have a lot of oily buildup on my stainless headers and oven cleaner didn’t seem to do much to clean them. I would be interested in learning other methods of cleaning them.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,946
Likes: 4,113
From: US-PNW
Lacquer thinner or acetone may dissolve the plastic and won't harm chrome. Coat a cloth rag with it and hold it on the plastic for a bit to soften it, then try wiping it off. May take a few attempts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,275
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
Another vote for acetone. The only think it won't dissolve is pure carbon. I'd suggest that after you've removed everything except the black, which is probably embedded carbon, then use a polishing compound and polish the black carbon off.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
We get this alot with Harleys . Oven cleaner. Any scraping is bad. Scratches in chrome are forever. There is NO POLISHING chrome. Not in terms of removing scratches.
