How To Clean The Exhaust Tips (Eldorado)??

[Chuck C]

Man, I just got new stock exhaust over a year ago and already it looks like shit. Any way to clean off the black/red/brown gunk on my mufflers and tips?? Anyone swap out the old tips for new ones?

[rek]

The mufflers(original) on my Eldo weren't looking too good. I used denatured alcohol and a fine scotch-brite pad to clean them. Then, I sprayed them with a high-temp-semi gloss black. If you want them to look like stainless, there is a high-temp stainless pigmented paint, that has fine stainless steel particles, in it. I have used the stainless paint on my Z-28 exhaust system. It still looks new(1973 model). AS for the tips, I "borrowed" a fine pot cleaning pad from the kitchen(didn't want to scratch the finish). and used it with the alky to clean the tips. I put on some polish(NU-Finish), on the cleaned tips, they look new. The tips are welded on, so if yours won't clean up, try E-Bay for some new ones. Good luck...

[elwesso]

see what you can wipe off first with a towel and some window cleaner. Then start scrubbing. You can get some stainless polish to shine them up once you have it cleaned up. You could probably go to an automotive store and the stuff you use to clean wheels would work good.

[Chuck C]

thanks guys....so rek, did you just clean the underside of the mufflers or disconnect them for cleaning?

[kcnewell]

I use "00" steel wool on that kind of stuff. If you spray window cleaner on and hit it with the steel wool it works great. We also have this stuff at the shop called " Blue Away" That is very effective at removing heat related discoloration from chrome and stainless. The wool will also take off minor rust and stuff if it's not too deep!

[Chuck C]

niccceee, thanks KC (now if it would just warm up outside so i can clean my baby!)

[rek]

Chuck, I didn't disconnect the mufflers. I just cleaned what I could see. But, hey, That's an idea. Take the suckers off, and while you're at it, you could clean up the underside of the floor pan(trunk pan?) as well. Now that would be a thorough clean job. I guess I like the Alky to clean stuff cause it reminds me of dragsters and one of my "other" fun time money pits....Nitro powered on-road/off road RC cars. WAAaaaaaaaaa/shiftWAAAaaaaaaaaa---42,000 RPM later, you're there... I know, off topic...I'm done

[Chuck C]

how bout using acetone??

[rek]

I think it evaporates faster than the alky, but probably with less residue. Also, I think the acetone is harder on the skin. You do wear rubber gloves, right???LOL

[toomanytoyz]

I can second the steel wool. I use the 000 or 0000 stuff though on my chrome and glass... Works wonders and no scratches.