Consider this:
Conversion hedders (BB in a 78 ElCamino)
Hooker
Hooker Ceramic coating

This adds up to be a very expensive combination. In fact, the second most expensive part to transplant a LS7 in my 78 Elky (engine being #1), and there are many other "go fast" goodies. I hear other prices for coated hedders and they do not come close to what I have paid for these.

Now there is this ugly brown rust appearing all over my hedders. Anyone else experience poor quality coatings from Hooker or anyone else? These hedders were bought in late Feb. 98 and installed in early Jul. 98. Any ideas on what course of action I might take? TIA. MikEC



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It seems there was another post possibly in the old tech complaining about the same thing so you might want to check that out and see what they came up with for an answer, but I would try calling Hooker or the place you bought them from (like if ya bought them from summit) and see if you can get a replacement. If that doesn't work the only thing I can think of is sending them out to Jet-Hot(more $$$) and getting them coated with a real ceramic coating the Hooker coating just seem to not hold up very well.
Steve

Alright Mike, it was in the June Tech it doesn't seem hopeful for you. Here's the links:
http://www.chevelles.com/tech/jun_tech/115.html Thats the original post.
http://www.chevelles.com/tech/jun_tech/419.html And this is the update post.

Good Luck, Steve

Mike I have Hedman headers that have been in use for 3yrs I bought them 4yrs ago,they are showing a little rust not that much but rust I don't like.So I E mailed them they got right back to me and gave me a phone # to call, they said send them back they are guaranteed for 5 yrs. I called told them the car was in storage and couldn't take them off till spring they told me to send them in they would replace or recoat them.The 5yrs will be up in march they gave me a claim # and said it didn't matter they would honor the guarantee.I hope so...FRED

Mike,
I can't speak for the Hooker coating but I will tell you that Jet Hot Coatings work and last. I am getting ready to order a set of Hookers for a customer with a 440 GTX. He is finally replacing the Hookers he bought from me 12 years ago. He had them sent off and Jet Hot coated about 6 years ago and He is finally getting a little rust around the welds at the flanges, but it appears to be coming from inside. Keep in mind that these were run on the car for 6 years like they came from Hooker (uncoated) and then coated by Jet Hot and it has been another six years. Of course this does not help you with your present situation but I have found that if you talk nicely, most manufacturers want to stand behind thier products. I would say give them a call and see what they say.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

I have a set of tubular automotive headers that I was thinking of having coated. They quoted me a price of $225 + shipping and that included cleaning and coating inside and out.
The company's name is air-born coatings and they are located in conn. Has anyone used them in the past? How were they? thanx in advance.

Thanks for the response. I knew the rust was coming but when I opened the hood yesterday I was shocked at what I saw. So much so fast. It's been about three weeks since I had my car out. I will call the shop where I bought them and also call Hooker. Thanks for the number Steve. Fortunately I will be removing the front clip soon for some more detailing and preping for paint. These big headers snake around the steering shaft and are a real bear to get out on the pass side also. Will report to all how it goes. Thanks

BTW, I haven't yet found a Hooker WEB site. Is there one? Anyone know what it is? I don't think it is Mr. Gasket.
MikEC

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