The Ford Barn

oldspert · 05-12-2025, 03:57 PM

I think I know the result, but is it more desirable to leave the exhaust in natural cast or paint with high temp paint. Not going for show points but just a good looking engine for an every day.
Ed

alexiskai · 05-12-2025, 04:05 PM

Unpainted cast iron rusts, and its shape makes it difficult to clean, so if you want it to stay rust-free then some kind of protective paint is a good idea.

Ray in La Mesa · 05-12-2025, 04:23 PM

Cast blast his temp is a good silverish compromise.

Ray in La Mesa · 05-12-2025, 04:25 PM

oops, Cast Blast high temp is good silverish compromise.

DavidG · 05-12-2025, 05:09 PM

Check with your local powder coater to see what "natural" colors they offer in the way of high temperature coatings. It will outlast anything out of a can.

Y-Blockhead · 05-12-2025, 05:45 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Sounds crazy but I use Slip- Plate. Once cured it is very durable. Gives a nice matte graphite sheen. Don't get it on a painted surface, you will never get it off.

oldspert · 05-12-2025, 06:05 PM

Another thing, the intake and exhaust have been assembled and ground flat. I hate to take them apart just to coat the exhaust. Any thoughts? Also is there a reason to spot face the washer surfaces so they are flat to the mounting surfaces.
Ed

nkaminar · 05-12-2025, 07:43 PM

Those coatings that require a high temperature cure can be cured in your outdoor grill.

Blockhead, That is a beautiful engine. Did the plugs come with the copper tops or did you add those?

Randy in ca · 05-12-2025, 11:02 PM

I've had good results from Calyx paste as long as the manifold is reasonably clean to begin with:

LINKS:

https://www.eastwood.com/calyx-manif...ting-3-oz.html

https://www.eastwood.com/garage/two-...ron-manifolds/

Dodge · 05-12-2025, 11:28 PM

I used Cerakote, it holds up for years.

Bob Bidonde · 05-13-2025, 07:49 AM

I use stove black and it still looks good after many years of running.

eagle · 05-13-2025, 08:32 AM

I'd check with those who've done thiers years ago, after lots of miles. Because when the coating starts to burn off or wear it then looks really ugly. It doesn't come off/burn evenly. I replaced mine with a repro about 10 years ago. Left it natural, it has an even rust color to it. I think it looks "right". However, my car is definitely a driver. My $.02

katy · 05-13-2025, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldspert

Also is there a reason to spot face the washer surfaces so they are flat to the mounting surfaces.

Not as long as the washers are flat, don't have ridges from when they were stamped.

Y-Blockhead · 05-13-2025, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Blockhead, That is a beautiful engine. Did the plugs come with the copper tops or did you add those?

Haha, Busted. Those are Champion W18 Plugs with copper pipe caps that I polished to dress up the engine for car shows. "Faux" 3X's.

Thanks for the compliment.

nkaminar · 05-13-2025, 10:58 AM

Great idea. Probably keep curious fingers away from the running engine.

Smokedtires · 05-20-2025, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Haha, Busted. Those are Champion W18 Plugs with copper pipe caps that I polished to dress up the engine for car shows. "Faux" 3X's.

Thanks for the compliment.

Very cool, love it!

32Ford13 · 05-21-2025, 05:17 AM

http://www.advancepainttech.com/

They have an incredible hi temp coating. Used it on three vehicles including my A. I think they do some coating for Snyders.

Nice people and great coating.

JayJay · 05-21-2025, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Haha, Busted. Those are Champion W18 Plugs with copper pipe caps that I polished to dress up the engine for car shows. "Faux" 3X's.

Thanks for the compliment.

D - did you polish the brass spark strips too? 😉 Way too much time on your hands.

I have to admit to being hit with a dose of practicality. As cool as the original cap and strips are, a couple of weeks ago I installed a modern cap and wires to try to reduce RF interference with the CB I use on tours with the club. Too early to tell if it’s effective, haven’t been out on a tour with anyone to talk to yet.

Y-Blockhead · 05-21-2025, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayJay

D - did you polish the brass spark strips too? 😉 Way too much time on your hands.

I have been told the more than once...

Dick M · 05-23-2025, 11:37 AM

I also used CALEX manifold dressing. Applied it on my installed manifold. It had an odor when hot for a time after application. Good results with a clean look!

05-12-2025, 03:57 PM	#1
oldspert Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 392	Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold I think I know the result, but is it more desirable to leave the exhaust in natural cast or paint with high temp paint. Not going for show points but just a good looking engine for an every day. Ed

05-12-2025, 04:05 PM	#2
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,848	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Unpainted cast iron rusts, and its shape makes it difficult to clean, so if you want it to stay rust-free then some kind of protective paint is a good idea.

05-12-2025, 04:23 PM	#3
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Cast blast his temp is a good silverish compromise.

05-12-2025, 04:25 PM	#4
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold oops, Cast Blast high temp is good silverish compromise.

05-12-2025, 05:09 PM	#5
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,598	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Check with your local powder coater to see what "natural" colors they offer in the way of high temperature coatings. It will outlast anything out of a can.

05-12-2025, 05:45 PM	#6
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 6,638	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Sounds crazy but I use Slip- Plate. Once cured it is very durable. Gives a nice matte graphite sheen. Don't get it on a painted surface, you will never get it off. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-12-2025 at 06:06 PM.

05-12-2025, 06:05 PM	#7
oldspert Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 392	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Another thing, the intake and exhaust have been assembled and ground flat. I hate to take them apart just to coat the exhaust. Any thoughts? Also is there a reason to spot face the washer surfaces so they are flat to the mounting surfaces. Ed

05-12-2025, 07:43 PM	#8
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,850	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Those coatings that require a high temperature cure can be cured in your outdoor grill. Blockhead, That is a beautiful engine. Did the plugs come with the copper tops or did you add those? __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 05-13-2025 at 08:22 AM.

05-12-2025, 11:02 PM	#9
Randy in ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,816	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold I've had good results from Calyx paste as long as the manifold is reasonably clean to begin with: LINKS: https://www.eastwood.com/calyx-manif...ting-3-oz.html https://www.eastwood.com/garage/two-...ron-manifolds/

05-12-2025, 11:28 PM	#10
Dodge Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sonoma, CA. Posts: 1,568	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold I used Cerakote, it holds up for years.

05-13-2025, 08:32 AM	#12
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,081	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold I'd check with those who've done thiers years ago, after lots of miles. Because when the coating starts to burn off or wear it then looks really ugly. It doesn't come off/burn evenly. I replaced mine with a repro about 10 years ago. Left it natural, it has an even rust color to it. I think it looks "right". However, my car is definitely a driver. My $.02 __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

05-13-2025, 10:58 AM	#15
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,850	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold Great idea. Probably keep curious fingers away from the running engine. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-21-2025, 05:17 AM	#17
32Ford13 Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Posts: 62	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold http://www.advancepainttech.com/ They have an incredible hi temp coating. Used it on three vehicles including my A. I think they do some coating for Snyders. Nice people and great coating.

05-23-2025, 11:37 AM	#20
Dick M Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ukiah, CA Posts: 510	Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold I also used CALEX manifold dressing. Applied it on my installed manifold. It had an odor when hot for a time after application. Good results with a clean look!