XK120 exhaust manifolds

[orbtar]

Does anybody know what is the best finish to have, powder coating, enamelling, chrome etc? Mine have been enamelled in the past but it has all flaked off. I have left it a bit late so ideally want something that can be organised really quickly as hope to get the car on the road in the next few days.

[a8hex]

The original enamelling process isn't available any more, they used chemicals that are encouraged these days.
Re-treating the old manifolds is supposed to be difficult to get anything to adhere long term on top of the detritus that's built up over the last 60years. I'm sure I've heard good reports on Zircotec's treatment.
A lot of the people who like to show their XKs seem to just accept that the only way to get them to look good is to have two sets, one for show and one for go. A lady XK140 owner on Jag-Lovers years ago claimed to have got great results by oiling and baking them, like she did with her cast iron cooking range.
I've been lucky, the manifolds on my XK150 aren't too bad so I've just lived with them as I got them.
This topic comes up regularly on the XK list on Jag-Lovers, you might want to look there for the latest advise.

[a8hex]

The "Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes" forum here is probably a better place to ask than the Jaguar one, this can't be a problem which only inflicts us XK owners.

[jith]

The best finish, and one that lasts longest is Sperex heatproof manifold paint. It's available in several colours and will not burn off.

The proper way to apply it is to sandblast the manifolds first and then immediately spray the paint on direct without primer; it is self etching. It's great stuff and looks superb.

J

[orbtar]

Thanks very much, have had them shotblasted today and will organise painting tomorrow.