Thunderheader Paint/Ceramic Question

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Apr 18, 2013 | 06:30 AM

McGinnes_john

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From: Bangor, Me

Thunderheader Paint/Ceramic Question

So it appears, having upgraded the engine to 107", that my wrapped-up Thunderheader won't hold on to that BBQ paint anymore. It keeps flaking off in huge chunks after about 8 miles fom the driveway. My next solution will be to strip the thing down with Aircraft Stripper and try some engine paint instead, but I'm not optimistic. My question-would it be possible (or advisable) to just ceramic coat the muffler portion (it is all one welded piece-headers and muffler) and still wrap the headers? Or would it be wise to Ceramic the whole thing and then just wrap over it?

Apr 18, 2013 | 08:08 AM

Good_Apollo

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From: Portland, OR

Which paint did you use? I used VHT Flameproof flat black on my buddy's head pipes and it held up great. Touch up with a light sanding and a thin coat like once a year.

Apr 18, 2013 | 08:17 AM

SPECIAL ED

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From: Templeton California

Did you "cure" the paint as per the instructions? Also I've found that Rustoleum holds up better than VHT you might want to give that a try. I had mine sandblasted down to bare metal then painted it with VHT which rusted almost immediately so I sanded it lightly and resprayed it with Rustoleum which seemed to hold up allot better.

Apr 18, 2013 | 08:19 AM

McGinnes_john

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From: Bangor, Me

I used flat BBQ paint (Rustoleum High Heat) on it the first time, which held up. But after building the motor I repainted it with the gloss BBQ paint (Rustoleum Ultra High Heat). I did also used high heat primer under it this time, which could be the reason for the chipping. Probably should try a higher quality paint.

Apr 18, 2013 | 08:20 AM

osb

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VHT is great. I used it on my pipes this year and so far so good.

Apr 18, 2013 | 08:21 AM

McGinnes_john

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From: Bangor, Me

I did try curing it by running the bike, but that did not seem to help the situation. It could be a fault in the prep work, but I just about sanded the chrome off of it everytime I painted it.