Header looks ugly. What can I do?

[GregoXB]

I did a full header replacement and posted a video if you're interested. Definitely a DIY mod. Harley wanted an ungodly amount of money to do it by dropping the engine lol. One of the mechanics there couldn't believe I did it and after explaining it to him this is how he does it now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxozheEre64

 

[Loki]

Nice vid Grego! But i have a question. What is the point of taking all the back stuff off and the fan if you can get the bolts off through the front?

 

[GregoXB]

I thought about that too Loki. I haven't tried it like that so I'm not even sure if the header can be removed with the O2 sensor in place (I have a feeling it can though). I personally wouldn't do it like that though for a couple of reasons.
Firstly I like to make sure everything is intact and in place so opening up the back lets me visually inspect the work. It is a really cramped space and (if you have the equipment) its worth it to take the extra steps to open it up. Removing and replacing the header is tricky because its awkward to mount. Getting a firm grip on the rear header from the back to sit it well can be frustrating enough I can't imagine the headache it would be to do it solely from the front. Also threading the bottom nut on the rear header with a swivel ratchet scares me a little. I would not want to damage the mounting bolt and with the back open you can finger thread it before you apply torque. I'm sure a tool can be fashioned to help you do it from the front like maybe a rubber hose.
However, I feel like if I did this a couple times a week changing it completely from the front might be something that can be learned. For any beginners I would recommend taking the extra steps.

 

[kbwood1008]

I tried that and did not care for the amount of work it took. So I just pick mine up from Performance Coatings in Auburn, Washington (near Tacoma). Love the look of the Titanium color coating and can hardly wait to get them back on...

 

[acko71]

[up]

 

[riverotter]

The polishing works really well. I did one pipe w/WD40 and the other w/o and didn't notice any difference, other than I had to wipe down my bike really well after the run w/WD40. Add some Mother's polish to the mix and it comes out looking pretty nice. The big downer for me was that as I was polishing, I discovered a pre-existing dent on the outer corner of the rear pipe that was pretty well-hidden when it was dull and yellowed. Now I'm thinking about header wrap. I don't love the way it looks, but that dent makes me crazy every time I see it.

 

[olaHalo]

So if im reading this correctly guys with bikes new than 2005 cant polish their headers?

 

[v_twinsam]

[up]KB performance coatings did the pipes and cover on my superglide a few years back they do great work for I thought was a fair price.

 

[kbwood1008]

I was expecting to pay double what I did and I could not happier with the result.

 

[twr3cks]

Sub'd. I have an 08, and I started messing with the headers this weekend. It certainly won't be a half hour job and will take more than just the green scotchbrites, but I did see a little bit of a difference. Will update. Anyone know why the 06 and newer CAN'T be polished?

 

[Green Machine]

I have a 05 ss and im in the same boat. Did little bit down where the chin fairing goes, and there is no way I could do my pipe in an hour. Im not sure if its because it has never been polished before, or if its because prev owner had them wrapped.[confused]
Will put up a pic

 

[Green Machine]

 

[holleywood]

Green machine I wish you hadn't brought this up. I've been debating what I could do to my headers. They look so bad all stained up. Even after a good wash and polish the headers make the bike look like crap. I thought about wrapping them but the wrap doesn't last forever and it looks ratty when it starts to fade and frey. So, I looked around the garage and started polishing. I started with the green scratch pad. The scotbrite will take forever. So, I went to a 100 grit sand paper. I had to really sand. It takes lots of patience. I was concerned about not scratching other parts of the bike. I think the best way is to work up on the grit. Start with 100 to get rid of the bad spots then maybe a 200 and on and on till you get to a thousand/1500. It really depends on how good is good for you. I used a little rubbing compound like these guys are describing using wd40. It takes time and I am afraid with my ocd I wont stop till I get a mirror finish dammit! And, I keep looking at the chipped and stained finish on my wheels.

 

[GregoXB]

Don't fuss about polishing your header with it on the bike, scratching parts and getting WD40 all over the place. Just take it off and polish away, it is not that hard to remove.



Or invest in the ceramic coating. 3 years later and my headers still shine. The top of the of the rear pipe did start tinting after a year so I slapped a ceramic heat guard on it.

 

[halfagiraffe]

Ceramic coating is by far the best way to go. Most powdercoaters will have a few color options for you to choose from. Yeah your bike will be down for a week or so, but you will never have to worry about how the headers look again. =]

Dont powdercoat. It cant stand the heat and will eventually crack and peel.