How to polish a dirty / rusty exhaust and manifold?

[Temo_Wil]

Hi

I've just purchased a 2nd hand stainless steel exhaust system and it's covered in dirt and is also rusty around the welds. What is the best way of bringing it back to its former glory?

I have already tried metal polish but it has not touched it...

Any advice would be great...

Thanks

[Bezerk]

Go to Asda and get a load of cheap microfiber cloths and Bar Keepers friend.

Polish it up the best you can, depends how filthy and rusty it really is.
I'm guessing you'll have to bin the cloths afterwards.

If that doesn't do enough, buy some 0000 grade wire wool and metal polish such as Britemax Easy Cut, then protect it with Britemax Final Shine.
Other brands are available!

[blaineuk]

If it was not polished when it was new, you will have a lot of work to do to get a polished finish, you will need to start with emery cloth and work your way down the grades and on to metal polishes for a really good finish.

[paintman]

You may find there are different grades of stainless used in the system.
I have a full s/s system on my RRC with tubular manifolds. The rear silencer & tailpipe are as good & shiny as the day it was fitted. The rest of the system now has a brown tinge - but it was never polished in the first place.
I bought it for longevity - its been on for over 12 years - so the bits not normally in view are never going to get polished!
You may also find that the bracketry, clamps & any olives used in joints are mild steel.

[ian_uk1975]

Speaking from experience, I'd be tempted to say don't bother. Stainless manifolds don't stay clean and shiny for long at all and soon turn brown with the heat. Once on the car, they're usually very difficult to polish, so up-keep is 'challenging'. Unless it's a show car, I'd think carefully IMO.

[blitzracing]

Fine grade wire wool.

[ecurie]

It's in French, but with the pictures should not be to hard to understand.


http://www.rrb.be/Articles/Polissage-des-pieces-en...