My 3 year old ceramic coated Hooker headers have started to rust. Is there an easy fix for this? Should I just replace them? What headers should I replace them with? Would stainless headers hold up better? The Jegs link below is the header I now have.
Thank you, James

BTW, they are on my 68 Beaumont with a 475-500 HP 427.


http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OrderItemDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&orderId=3984189&updatePrices=1&catalogId=10002&calculationUsageId=-1&ddkey=http:OrderCalculate

There are a couple people here that have had problems with the coating on their Hooker headers, as well as other brands. I dont know from experience as to which company offers the best coating on their headers. Maybe try Jet-Hot or something like that. If you do decide to replace your headers, at least you know that stainless steel will never rust...

Jet Hot does excellent coating, but they will still suface rust in time. I'm hearing very good things about Dougs headers holding up well and they actually ......FIT! :hurray:

I always buy headers uncoated...usually fit them first on the project if I think there will be a fitment issue...then have them coated locally.
In fact, dropped a set of SBC Hooker Comps off at the powdercoater last Friday.

I always buy headers uncoated...usually fit them first on the project if I think there will be a fitment issue...then have them coated locally.
In fact, dropped a set of SBC Hooker Comps off at the powdercoater last Friday.

Bill,
Do you know specifically which powder do they use (or could you ask them)? Is it a high-temp black? I know of one made by Forrest out on the west coast.
I have a powder line at work and have considered getting a small box of high-temp powder for "personal" use. ;)
Tom

Bill,
Do you know specifically which powder do they use (or could you ask them)? Is it a high-temp black? I know of one made by Forrest out on the west coast.
I have a powder line at work and have considered getting a small box of high-temp powder for "personal" use. ;)
Tom

Tom,
I'll ask him. Actually talked to him this afternoon...
The only "color" I've ever had done to headers is the silver ceramic finish but I have seen them do items in black too....some bike exhaust.

I think any coated header will eventually get surface rust, Hookers quicker than most!

I've got a set of Hedmans that I had coated by JetHot that look just like new but they've only been on for a year. They do come with a gaurantee though and you can bet they will get them back to recoat them when/if they do start showing rust.:beers:

Thanks for the responses. I called Jet-Hot about getting them coated. I could buy a new set for what they want to coat them but in a couple years I would have the same problem. They have a coating they call Sterling Extreme that I'll probably end up getting done. See link below for info on it.
James

http://www.jet-hot.com/headercoatings.html

That's the coating I had put on mine.

Does Jet-Hot have a location in Columbia? I found one in Charlotte but Columbia is closer. What did they charge to coat them?
James

I bought Hooker Competition stainless headers for my 71 back in 99. Still look as good as the day they were put on 10 years ago. I would not hesitate to buy the same ones again

I just had my super comp's recoated locally. They weren't rusted, but they had dulled out and had some stains on them. I personally think they look better than new and the recoating only cost $235.

I bought Hooker Competition stainless headers for my 71 back in 99. Still look as good as the day they were put on 10 years ago. I would not hesitate to buy the same ones again

For longevity, I think your best bet is stainless. You wont ever have to worry about rusting, you wont have to have them recoated in a few years, and I think Doug's makes headers in stainless too. I just like Doug's Headers because I have them on my car and they fit like a glove.

Does Jet-Hot have a location in Columbia? I found one in Charlotte but Columbia is closer. What did they charge to coat them?
James

Not in Columbia. I'll have to look up the paperwork to see where it was. I actually bought the Hedmans from JetHot. They cost close to $600 with thier coating.

Thanks James. They quoted me $370 to prep and coat my headers. They said they didn't have many big block headers in stock right now so I guess I'll send them mine. At least I know they will fit.
James