Polishing headers...... does this sound right???

[UPBuell]

I read through the forums on polishing pipes, removed the headers (thanks to those with step by step walk-through), purchased 3M scotch brite pads and starting sanding (a much better suited for girls). Also bought some 160-400-600-1000 grit sand paper for after the scotch brite pads. Becoming very frustrated I started looking into dremel tools then remembered a family member had a sand blaster, very small actually made for stained glass and is loaded with super tiny glass beads. They hold up better compared to sand. It did an amazing job, go in places I could never touch with scotch brite pad. After 30 minutes and 70% satisfied I decided to put some polishing compound on a finished area. To my disappointment it didn't get any shinier with the polishing compound. It is currently a pretty darn smooth surface. I had expectations of getting it to "mirror" quality. Are my expectations to high or did I mess something up. These headers have about 30k miles on them, but overall are in very good shape.

Thanks,

JD

[ajgerdes]

pics? :D

[UPBuell]

Good idea. ;) I'll get some posted in the near future.

[beefy99]

You can try blue magic polish, might get you a little closer to mirror finish. I don't know how well it will hold up to the heat though. think they sell it at auto zone

[Sirius815]

I've polished up aluminum, which is much softer using various grits of sandpaper - all the way to 2000 then used some polish to really make it shine. I've heard of using the scotch brite pads, but personally never used then. I'd have a go with the sandpaper - remember to use lots of water and don't forget the elbow grease.

[1972c10]

are you putting the polish on by hand or with a machine? you will most likely need a buffer

[Sirius815]

This stuff is awesome! http://www.mothers.com/02_products/05100-05101.html

[50dro]

Mine after Scotchbrite & WD40 followed by Wicked Metal Polish by hand. Didn't remove them. Not a mirror finish but alot better than before. Once they're heated up they turn a goldish color as you can see.

[upthemaiden]

I did the same as 50dro(after seeing his) and just used the scotch brite pads and wd40. Didn't think to use polish after. I've always hated sanding/buffing though, so I just did it well enough to fix how awful my pipes used to look and let them be.

[brightbuell]

I used WD-40 and green scotch bright pads, but i found that PB blaster will work better then WD-40 so get some of that and some scotch bright pads and start scrubbing. It works great. Do it every 6 months or so, and keep **** from touching your pips, now if your pips are is real bad shape you will need to get a super fine sand paper and i mean fine, dont get to course or you will be setting your self up for tons of work, get like two kinds one a little courser then the next and end up back with the scotch bright pads and then you can even use a polish if you want. Once you finish wipe with clean rags until you no-longer see any dirt or color coming off onto the rag. When you ride it for the first time after cleaning the headers, they will turn a beautiful light bronze and they will stay like that for a long long time. If you only need to use scotch pads it will take an hour your first time, make sure you take off your chin fairing, and use a clean rag to cover your motor under the pipes, and tuck clean rags in other places to protect your bike from making a mess. Spray the pad not the bike or you will make a huge mess. Good luck you will not regret polishing your headers its so easy and they look 100 times better. I pull up next to people and sometimes dont understand why people dont take the time to do it.