HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

So I want to paint my stainless headers (once I get them) with VHTs ceramic coating (if for nothing more than to reduce the under hood temps).

However I know you have to cure the paint by chucking it in the oven, but LTs sure as hell won't fit in any house sized oven lol.

Anyone have any suggestions/workarounds for this?

bobfig

install them run the enging for a few min to warm them up just not full operating temp. do it like 3 times.

SlasherVRGR

iTrader: (1)

When I did my pace setter shorties for my 3800 car I had my old lady toss em in the oven while i was at work for 30 mins on 150, cool, 30 mins on 250, cool, 30 mins on 350, 450, and 550.

Idk if this actually did anything, but they held up for the duration I had the car afterwards.

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

Clean them of all oil and grease. Hang them from a wire where you can paint them.

Let them DRY as much as possible while hanging. The ceramic won't cure until they get hot but they can dry enough to survive a careful install. To speed up the process I've used heat guns and space heaters.

Use reasonable care when installing then do the heat cycles to cure it.

HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

Would hitting the pipes with a torch help cure them a little bit before install? Don't want to go paint them then nick it sliding it in place and have to re-do the whole thing.

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

Not a torch, too much direct heat in a very small area.

The coating will dry enough to handle, it has to completely dry before handling anyways.

WSLN 6

iTrader: (3)

I have had good luck curing them with a heat gun until everything is nice and toasty. The flameproof stuff has been the most durable, even on turbo exhaust housings.

HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

Hmm. I do have a heat gun that'll go up to 1100 degrees... I'll give that a shot. If nothing else I'll look into renting a huge barbecue lol

5.7stroker

iTrader: (36)

Back from the dead....

Highest I could get my cure is 180F in a cardboard box with a hole cut in it and a heat gun going for 30 min. I need to get the primer to 600F for 30 minutes prior to top coating. Time to find a big oven at a powder coater. For those that used the heat gun on the VHT flameproof primer, did it cure well enough to be topcoated with the VHT flameproof aerosol?

farmington

iTrader: (14)

I think that powder coat ovens only cook at 400. might not be hot enough. Personally, I have cheap ebay stainless headers on my car and they're probably 8 years old and still look really nice.

G Atsma

I say spray' em, dry 'em, bolt 'em on, and run 'em. The heat of running them will cure it as well as is needed.

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

What are you using a hair dryer?

FWIW, to speed up these jobs in the shop I use torpedo space heaters that pump out 150,000 BTU

5.7stroker

iTrader: (36)

Nope a heat gun but apparently one that doesn't get very hot. I found a location with a big oven that goes up to 650F so should be all good. This paint has a specific cure cycle to it.

Paint must be completely dry before curing
Heat to 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes
Cool for 30 minutes
Heat to 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes
Cool for 30 minutes
Heat to 650°F (343°C ) for 30 minutes

dreadpirateroberts

iTrader: (1)

i say paint it white.