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General => Detailing => Topic started by: admc6 on 13 October 2008, 16:32

Title: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: admc6 on 13 October 2008, 16:32
Whats good to make your exhaust all shinny again?
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Martz on 13 October 2008, 16:35
I used to use metal polish. Used to come up a treat! :cool:
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: stealthwolf on 13 October 2008, 17:47
Don't know. I've tried wire wool pads which some people swear by but didn't have enough of an effect. When I get a chance later this week, I'm gonna use some degreaser along with the wirewool, then switching to a scrubbing sponge (the kind you use for washing up), then switching to its sponge side and finishing with an MF cloth.

I hope it'll be enough!
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Conker on 13 October 2008, 20:13
As my exhaust is nowt special, I just use fine wire wool and WD-40, which its looking "good-ish". If you want better:

"Belgom Alu is a liquid cream for polishing alloy, chrome, brass, etc. It is supplied in bottles containing 250mls. Belgom Alu is less abrasive than most other polishes and will not, therefore, remove detail from castings or damage paintwork adjacent to polished areas. White aluminium oxide deposits or other corrosion are dissolved chemically by Belgom Alu - this is far more effective and more gentle than using abrasives. Once the oxidation is dissolved the polish rapidly shines the metal surfaces. At the same time as polishing, Belgom Alu is also laying down a protective wax layer which will prevent moisture or salt spray reaching the metal surface for a considerable time. It is found that in regular winter use a bike may be ridden uncleaned for six weeks or so after polishing with Belgom Alu without metal surfaces corroding."

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=110

Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: BobbyT on 13 October 2008, 22:45
autosol or brass-OOOOOO   :grin:
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: jamie_pyrite on 13 October 2008, 23:23
I use autoglym metal polish, but when that runs out I'll be getting some autosol.


I have a standard exhaust system, so no stainless. I'll start by spraying it with a pretty strong mix of wheel cleaning solution inside the pile and on the outside of it throughout the process of washing the car. Now and then I'll just take 20 seconds to give it a hit with the wheel cleaner and do that maybe.. 5 times.

Then I'll pressure wash it down at the end. I'll start with wire wool if I have some to hand, if not I use one of those green abrasive pads you find in the kitchen with some polish. After a while with that, I'll finish it off with the metal polish and a J Cloth or just one of those yellow polishing cloths. No point using microfibres on an exhaust!

I'll usually do the first couple of inches inside the tailpipe too. I can remove the carbon in a couple of minutes using the above process and it makes it look 10x better. I don't do many miles so the carbon has barely built back up by the time I wash it again :)
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: admc6 on 14 October 2008, 09:46
Thank you all for your ideas. I have some autosol at home, so will give that a whirl first
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: richard s on 14 October 2008, 20:01
i used to use 3m fast cut plus compound at work and it was quite good at removing thick layers
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: kells on 14 October 2008, 20:44
you just need autosol

if its real bad coz your a lazy twit then it may take a few goes...but it will work

unless its a cheep exhaust trim with a chrome coating/finish , which has been left so long its oxydised with the weather etc... then your fecked really
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Mikester on 14 October 2008, 22:24
i use meguirs metal polish
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: cняis on 14 October 2008, 23:22
hmmm

must give my powerflow oval exit a polish... its gone a funny brown colour  :huh:

all that 8v powaz and shiz no doubt
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Jkctr on 15 October 2008, 09:37
Some #00 wire wool

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/-00-wire-wool/prod_377.html

and some metal polish

(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/Jules86dad/11102008588.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/Jules86dad/11102008591.jpg)
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: admc6 on 16 October 2008, 14:22
I could just get the brasso out  :laugh:
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Cass on 17 October 2008, 00:21
Solvol Autosol and a strip of cloth about 2" x 9". Use in a sawing action with plenty elbow grease, especially on the lips :shocked:

Cass
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Guy on 21 October 2008, 14:57
As my exhaust is nowt special, I just use fine wire wool and WD-40, which its looking "good-ish". If you want better:

"Belgom Alu is a liquid cream for polishing alloy, chrome, brass, etc. It is supplied in bottles containing 250mls. Belgom Alu is less abrasive than most other polishes and will not, therefore, remove detail from castings or damage paintwork adjacent to polished areas. White aluminium oxide deposits or other corrosion are dissolved chemically by Belgom Alu - this is far more effective and more gentle than using abrasives. Once the oxidation is dissolved the polish rapidly shines the metal surfaces. At the same time as polishing, Belgom Alu is also laying down a protective wax layer which will prevent moisture or salt spray reaching the metal surface for a considerable time. It is found that in regular winter use a bike may be ridden uncleaned for six weeks or so after polishing with Belgom Alu without metal surfaces corroding."

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=110



Belgom alu FTW!  :cool:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/2253951940_f6c073023e_o.jpg)

(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/Jules86dad/11102008591.jpg)

dude - do you not clean inside the zaust?

Solvol Autosol and a strip of cloth about 2" x 9". Use in a sawing action with plenty elbow grease, especially on the lips :shocked:

Cass

sawing action will impart fine scratches on the surface of the metal  :undecided:
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: AlanD on 21 October 2008, 15:11
Do Halfords sell wire wool?
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: Guy on 21 October 2008, 15:31
Do Halfords sell wire wool?

i am trying to think of a joke to do with wire sheep and can't  :sad:
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: AlanD on 21 October 2008, 17:26
Try do as I got some on the way home.
Title: Re: Cleaning exhaust..
Post by: stealthwolf on 22 October 2008, 00:10
Do Halfords sell wire wool?

Yes it's in a pack of ten or so.