Header Paint

[nissandrift]

I just picked up a cheap pacesetter header for my car from a freind. The reason he gave it to me cheap was because the paint was cracking off. Im in the process of sanding it, but is there a better way to get it all cleaned up, ie. paint thinner, acetone? Also how hot would it get, the high temp paint comes in 50 and 1200 degree temps.

[Soulja]

Wire wheel. Or Get a big plastic tub, goto a pool supply store and get like 3 gallons of muriatic acid. Dump the acid in the tub, add water to where it would completely cover the header. Wrap a couple metal coat hangers around the header so you can grab it to remove it. Leave it in there for like 5-10 minutes. Will take off all paint, and any rust. *note this can be used to clean up any steel parts. Never use this method on aluminum. I ruined a valve cover that way.

[nissandrift]

Do you know how expensive that acid is, Im low on funds.

[Soulja]

like $10 a gallon. I usually let any of my friends know when i'm going to do it, in case they have anything that needs to be dipped also. Used it when rebuilding turbo's, dipping cranks, exhaust manifolds, fuel pumps (engine actuated ones), carburators, rusted tools, anything steel. Just be wary of the funes when working with the stuff, and dont breathe the fumes, you will get a nasty cough. Dip the parts, when clean, remove from tub, (don't touch until you hose stuff off, use hangers to pick stuff up and hold it, it will burn your skin) hose off liberally with water to neutralize the acid, dry off, and then spray with wd-40 to displace any water and prevent rusting. (curse of the northeast) Or dry off and paint.

[cdlong]

$7.47 for two gallons at home depot

[ShadowKnight006]

how does one go about disposing of the afore mentioned acid when done? Sounds interesting.

[Soulja]

Legally dispose if it? I guess you could take it to your local recycling center, or waste disposal place. I usually just pour it out in the street, and flush it with alot of water. The only thing it'll do is kill any weeds growing in cracks in the road. Or you could pour baking soda in it to neutralize it. But with enough water, it will be diluted enough to be fine.

[ShadowKnight006]

I wonder if there is anywhere close that handles disposal, if nothing else that baking soda sounds pretty good. Thanks. I think this will solve a lot of problems for me.