I am building an engine for my 396 SS El Camino and want the exhaust manifolds to look natural. I can't stand that silver paint from Eastwood and others that make them look phoney. What is the best way to obtain and maintain the natural look? They should have a light rust color but look natural. I was thinking of VHT clear over a sandblasted surface allowed to rust slightly. What process do you think will yield the best natural look?

Phil Swanson
68 SS 396 Elco

The best natural look I can think of for you is Calyx Manifold Dressing. You will need to touch it up from time to time, depending on your driving habits. It's a paste that you rub into the metal that will give you the look I believe you're after.

http://www.tptools.com/p/2492,233_Calyx-Manifold-Dressing.html

I would suggest a cast grey ceramic powdercoat for your manifolds.. IMO it looks great and low maint. I'm sure there is someone in your area that does that if you check around.. Good luck !

There is a product called Cast Blast by a company named Armour or similar.

Great stuff, very original color in my experience.

Eastwood makes a high temp powder coat in factory gray. I have done that in 3 cars i have and they look and hold up great.


Willie

The best natural look I can think of for you is Calyx Manifold Dressing. You will need to touch it up from time to time, depending on your driving habits. It's a paste that you rub into the metal that will give you the look I believe you're after.

http://www.tptools.com/p/2492,233_Calyx-Manifold-Dressing.html

used that junk once and never again. stuff does not last as soon as you work around your manifolds your arms and shirt is covered with the stuff.

I believe the best look is to have them Ceramic coated. In the factory shade of gray (grey in Canada). Any un coated gray iron will rust.
I have used the eastwoods stainless paint and when it is done correctly it will look good for years. The stock 70 B.B. manifolds on my 70 SS 454 Sta. Wgn. were done 4 years ago and are still in perfect condition.
I takes about 6-8 hours to do this job right, And it will last.
Bob:thumbsup:

Thanks for all the good ideas. I don't want to get into a paste that I have to re-apply because there is no room to get a wire brush or an applicator between the manifold and the wheel well. I would go for the hot coating if I could get it in a color that looks natural. I just hate the silver look of the Eastwood paint. I want a brownish tint so it looks like a slight rust look.

I do a dark cast ceramic coating that is correct for $185 plus shipping.

That dark ceramic coating really sounds good. But Ohio is too far for me. I need to find somebody here in San Diego that does that. I like the idea of a darker color to similate rust. They are actually almost black when new with some orange overspray I am told.