How do you clean your exhaust tips?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
How do you clean your exhaust tips?
I was detailing my '73 recently and was working on the exhaust tips. The insides to be exact. I was amazed how much crud came out and how CLEAN the (stainless steel?) tips were when I was done. But I wasn't really done. I couldn't reach some tiny areas on the right side. I tried my pinky finger and even the tip of a toothbrush handle wrapped in a cloth, but it was still too big to get in there and clean it out satisfactorily. Does anyone out there have any recommendations on how to clean such tight areas? Any tiny brushes or tools, maybe? And what about power tools? Is that applicable to this sort of cleaning or not? I'm definitely an amateur to car detailing and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
#2
would a long Q-tip soaked in carburetor cleaner get into that corner?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ART-CRAFT...&wl13=&veh=sem
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ART-CRAFT...&wl13=&veh=sem
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Mark Otnes (05-22-2018)
#3
Safety Car
I`ve had good results cleaning an area like that with a rag tightly wrapped around a long, thin, flat blade screwdriver, dipping the rag in your cleaning fluid.
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Mark Otnes (05-22-2018)
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Mark Otnes (05-22-2018)
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Sounds possible. I've never tried carb cleaner. Is it harsh or...?
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
That method sounds like it has promise. A long and thin screwdriver maybe. But the tip has to not poke through or it'll scratch. Thanks for the advice!
Last edited by Mark Otnes; 05-22-2018 at 04:59 PM.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
I thought of that, but I like seeing into them and seeing them clean and stainless. I think I'll keep them that way (for now at least).
#8
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2009
Location: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
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You've got 1000% more dedication to cleaning your car than I'll ever have. Although now that I type that I recall that I've cleaned the engine and engine compartment in my Eagle with various rags, brushes, and a toothbrush every spring since I've finished the restoration.
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#11
Le Mans Master
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2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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I've had really good luck with "Easy Off" oven cleaner...
And it was free-I found an almost full can under the sink in the kitchen!!
Richard
And it was free-I found an almost full can under the sink in the kitchen!!
Richard
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#12
Drifting
Makes me glad my 68 convert has the round exhaust tips. Much easier to clean!
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#13
Drifting
I can appreciate the effort in cleaning the inside of the tips but I'm curious as to why?
The second you fire it up again, they will get dirty-
Seems it would be a never ending exercise?
As long as the outside of my tips are clean, I'm good.
Just sayin' ;-)
The second you fire it up again, they will get dirty-
Seems it would be a never ending exercise?
As long as the outside of my tips are clean, I'm good.
Just sayin' ;-)
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#14
Race Director
Diaper or thin rag wrapped around a long Q Tip and some Mothers polish, is what I used on my show Harley's.
In those hard to get areas in the exhaust tip, you can spray in some Simple Green, let is soak in for a few minutes, start the engine and while the exhaust is still cold, spray the inside of the tip with a pressure washer.
It only take a second to get into those tight spots.
In those hard to get areas in the exhaust tip, you can spray in some Simple Green, let is soak in for a few minutes, start the engine and while the exhaust is still cold, spray the inside of the tip with a pressure washer.
It only take a second to get into those tight spots.
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#18
Burning Brakes
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Mark Otnes (05-28-2018)
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
I concur, but they don't get that dirty, surprisingly. I just have a 350 small block and it isn't putting out much crud. Anyway, I guess I'm just a clean freak. If I see dirt, I like to clean it off. HA
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
I guess I got into the habit of cleaning the inside of the tips back when I owned a '70 AAR 'Cuda. If you know those cars, they have these big side tips that DEMAND to be kept clean because they're so visible, inside and out. Now that I have a Stingray, I just have to clean its tips, too. HA