Exhaust manifold coating

R

russcc

Well-known member
I understand there was, or maybe still is a product by the name Kemic that originated in aero industry. It was used to coat exhaust manifolds after they had been blasted clean to prevent rust. From what I have heard, after coating, you wiped some type of oil on them from time to time. Anyone know of that product ? Not interested in any of the new fangled coating systems, thank you in advance Fordbarners.
 
I used something called Calyx or something like that on my Corvette about 10 years ago and the manifolds still look good. Maybe not what you're looking for, but the name is close enough that I thought I'd mention it.
 
I have used Calyx on manifolds the results are nice, however after many miles it did not hold up well and had to be reapplied. I used it as it gives a nice bare cast iron look. I am not a spray paint fan, but VHT cast iron looks really good and holds up better than Calyx especially after a couple heats cycles. I have VHT on a pair of manifolds that have 10k miles on them and they are holding up well.

https://www.amazon.com/VHT-ESP998000-FlameProof-Coating-Paint/dp/B000CPINBG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
We did a dull grey ceramic coating, these are with 3 years of driving and the past 6 years at the restoration shop!!!
 

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Look up a product called Ceracote it is a ceramic coating used in industrial parts. Pistons, manifolds and high temp. situations. It has to be heat cured, can be done in kitchen oven, if wife allows you to. It will put off an odor for a while. I had a special oven I had made to coat rifle and shotgun parts when I had my gunsmithing business. Al
 
I think the manifolds were sandblasted (the guy who rebuilt the engine did the work), and if I remember correctly, it was a lot like the graphite you use to lubricate locks. I think you just smear it on with your hands. I don't know if this is totally correct since it was over 10 years ago and I was just watching. This is to the best of my recollection.
 
I have also used VHT with great results. As long as you follow the procedure for baking the coating on, they look real good. I’ve had a set of headers on my a V-8 for five years and they still look great. And I’m running no hood or fenders so they’re open to the elements.
 
I used Hi Temp Cast Blast on a set of exhaust manifolds on my 56 TBird - been on for about 7 years and has held up very well.


Incudes two trips cost to coast
 
russcc said:
I understand there was, or maybe still is a product by the name Kemic that originated in aero industry. It was used to coat exhaust manifolds after they had been blasted clean to prevent rust. From what I have heard, after coating, you wiped some type of oil on them from time to time. Anyone know of that product ? Not interested in any of the new fangled coating systems, thank you in advance Fordbarners.
Click to expand...

Sounds like Calyx. Eastwood has it and also stainless paint which wears well.

https://www.eastwood.com/calyx-mani...MI_Z7Y9obL3QIVFIV-Ch1fGwo0EAQYASABEgK3MfD_BwE
 
If you don't need perfect, just don't want to look at rust. I've heard tell that Permatex anti seize compound will get you there. It's supposed to last years. I tried it on my "T" looked good, but I must confess I haven't lifted the hood in a loooong time.:o:mad:
 
I saw a restoration shop use stove black on exhaust manifolds.....looked pretty good. I got some at a local hardware store and tried it on my headers a couple of years ago......like shoe polish......wipe it on with a rag or stiff brush, then let the exhaust temps "cure" it. Worked OK for mine.
 
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