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Black side mount headers

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Old Apr 9, 2016 | 04:48 PM
  #1  
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Default Black side mount headers

I installed a free set of 20 yr old chrome headers last fall. Sound great but am now noticing several rust holes around the collectors. My 68 BB never gets wet and can reuse the side tubes. Would like to order just a black steel set of headers (much cheaper than chrome/SS).
I'm thinking they'll last a long time seeing as they don't see moisture. Has anyone had good luck with these? I know I can get a set of Dougs for less than $700..
Thanks,
Jim
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Old Apr 9, 2016 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Jims427400
I installed a free set of 20 yr old chrome headers last fall. Sound great but am now noticing several rust holes around the collectors. My 68 BB never gets wet and can reuse the side tubes. Would like to order just a black steel set of headers (much cheaper than chrome/SS).
I'm thinking they'll last a long time seeing as they don't see moisture. Has anyone had good luck with these? I know I can get a set of Dougs for less than $700..
Thanks,
Jim

Surely, someone has used "Doug's" black steel headers......, Sounds like a Great deal.
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 12:07 PM
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I have a set of black Doug's side pipes for my BB. They went on with no problems and so far no leaks at the flanges. Got a set of shields from Power Portal Products which came powder coated black so no worries about touching the pipes when you get out.
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 12:52 PM
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Are your old headers Hooker or Doug's? Drugs are shorter, or at least the ones I got were. The problem is that when you slide the side pipe up fully to capture the insert in place, the pipe hangers don't line up with the mounting holes/bolts. Maybe Doug's pipes are a little longer and solves this problem, but mixing Hooker side pipes and Doug's headers left mine a little short.

I would paint them with ceramic paint or have them professionally coated. I drove mine before coating to make sure there was no interference with the frame. After finding two places it hit and relieving those spots, I had them coated. The black paint did not hold up as well as you might expect.
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 02:46 PM
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For what it's worth I had Hooker headers and side pipes, painted black, on my 69 427. No matter what header paint I used it didn't last that long.
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 06:47 PM
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Never get wet? Ever hear of condensation?
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Old Apr 12, 2016 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by sierra 43
For what it's worth I had Hooker headers and side pipes, painted black, on my 69 427. No matter what header paint I used it didn't
last that long.

Have set of Doug's sidepipes, always touch up surface rust areas, i use grill paint flat black
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Old Apr 13, 2016 | 08:03 PM
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Not sure of brand. No name plate anywhere on them.
Thanks for the warning on mixing parts. Never thought of that. Guess I'll have to rethink this. I'll run them another season or until I blow a big hole in the collector..
Thanks all
Originally Posted by flyeri
Are your old headers Hooker or Doug's? Drugs are shorter, or at least the ones I got were. The problem is that when you slide the side pipe up fully to capture the insert in place, the pipe hangers don't line up with the mounting holes/bolts. Maybe Doug's pipes are a little longer and solves this problem, but mixing Hooker side pipes and Doug's headers left mine a little short.

I would paint them with ceramic paint or have them professionally coated. I drove mine before coating to make sure there was no interference with the frame. After finding two places it hit and relieving those spots, I had them coated. The black paint did not hold up as well as you might expect.
Reply
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Old Apr 13, 2016 | 10:00 PM
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If the collectors are solid except for a few pin holes, you can weld them up and paint them. Cheaper than. A new set.
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