Originally Posted by James Russels (Post 3197501)

Hey there, I thought this would have been discussed somewhere but couldn't find anything. I'll be getting a stainless steel exhaust soon and would like to keep it looking new for as long as possible. I was thinking of hitting it with a high-temp clear coat before installing, but I wanted to check with others whether it is a good idea, or necessary. I was thinking of getting something like this. Can anyone speak to whether there is a downside to doing this?

Originally Posted by humfrz (Post 3197514)

Well, now, James Russels, you do realize that the exhaust system is on the underside of the car? ;) Unless you have mirrors on your garage floor, or it's going to be a show car or you're trying to impress the guy under a hoist, I would have to say you would be wasting your time and money.

Besides, the product is stainless steel - it don't rust.

If you "paint" the exhaust system, there is a chance the paint will not adhere well to the stainless steel and peel off in spots, making it look bad.
humfrz

Originally Posted by Mr.ac (Post 3197536)

Oh gee man, that's some special dedication for shiny tips.

One might even think to check out the local auto parts store and.. I don't know ask someone there for some stainless steel polish?

Maybe just wash the car every weekend?

Eh.

Originally Posted by James Russels (Post 3197554)

Thanks for the reply - hadn't thought of the peeling and I can see how that would be a headache and probably not worth the protection I would get from it. As unlikely as it may be that these parts will be seen, I figured it might be worth a $10 can of paint to protect a $1400 exhaust system. Plus I have no idea if I'll ever want to sell any of these parts somewhere down the line. Just trying to think ahead.



Washing it will work in the summer but I wouldn't be able to as often in the winter. And I can't be going under the car every time I wash it to polish the exhaust, but that's a good idea for the tips.

Originally Posted by James Russels (Post 3197554)

Thanks for the reply - hadn't thought of the peeling and I can see how that would be a headache and probably not worth the protection I would get from it. As unlikely as it may be that these parts will be seen, I figured it might be worth a $10 can of paint to protect a $1400 exhaust system. Plus I have no idea if I'll ever want to sell any of these parts somewhere down the line. Just trying to think ahead.

Originally Posted by Leonardo (Post 3197660)

I polish my stock exhaust with Mothers once a year.