Farm Truck rebuild

Lager

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Since a new set of headers might increase performance, I ordered a set from Sumitt racing and they came with whats called a protective coating to prevent rust. They suggested mounting the headers and running until the paint burned off, then remove and apply real high temp paint. Since that idea seemed like a whole lotta work? I decided to remove the cheap paint first..EaSY PEASY right,, Sand blaster, well My small compressor wasn't up to the task..Paint stripper, talked to a couple of folks, they tell me air craft stripper just peels that paint right off. As you can see by my photos, this is not exactly correct. Took me two applications of the paint stripper and a steel scrubby pad, then attack it with the sand blaster. Finally got it stripped off enough for the VHT primer coat which I did tonight in my closed in garage. NOT a good idea, makes you a bit loopy. The VHT High temp paint comes in an a bunch of colors, but I just selected a steel or gray finish. One header down, one more to go..
 

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Sounds like my luck and gonna make you real happy once you have done all that and get them installed for the new paint to just burn off :).

Hopefully won’t but i never seem to have much luck with the high temp paints although never tried that one particular.
 
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I hate to say this, but it really won't do enough to make that process you went through worthwhile! Ceramicoat helps but headers are a limited commodity!

Good job though. I applaud your effort.
 
Since you have ‘em out ... after the VHT dries and cures I’d say wrap them. It will help increase exhaust flow as well as keep the engine compartment temperature a little cooler.
 
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This VHT Flame proof paint is supposedly good to 2000 degrees and is a ceramic coating.. The reviews and videos Ive seen so far have been pretty good as long as you prep the metal correctly the first time. I stripped it the best I could down to bare metal, used rubber gloves during handling so I dont transfer hand oils. Used the 2000 degree primer they suggested and am now waiting until the rain stops and the humidity goes down before I apply the final coat of the actual paint/ceramic. I sure hope this works, this is a lot of work.
 
Since you have ‘em out ... after the VHT dries and cures I’d say wrap them. It will help increase exhaust flow as well as keep the engine compartment temperature a little cooler.

Wrapping headers on a farm truck will cause moisture to remain on them and will accelerate oxidation.

I wouldn't do that unless it's a dedicated race car that won't be outdoors all the time!
 
This VHT Flame proof paint is supposedly good to 2000 degrees and is a ceramic coating.. The reviews and videos Ive seen so far have been pretty good as long as you prep the metal correctly the first time. I stripped it the best I could down to bare metal, used rubber gloves during handling so I dont transfer hand oils. Used the 2000 degree primer they suggested and am now waiting until the rain stops and the humidity goes down before I apply the final coat of the actual paint/ceramic. I sure hope this works, this is a lot of work.
For my truck build, I bought the shiny factory coated Hookers. Looking back on it I wish I'd have just bought the painted and had them ceramic coated as the finish on these hasn't held up well.
I ran dual exhaust with a crossover and painted those pipes with the VHT. I think the only prep I did was wipe of the oily residue with some mineral spirits and then just rattle canned them. I'm pretty impressed with how they've held up.
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For my truck build, I bought the shiny factory coated Hookers. Looking back on it I wish I'd have just bought the painted and had them ceramic coated as the finish on these hasn't held up well.
I ran dual exhaust with a crossover and painted those pipes with the VHT. I think the only prep I did was wipe of the oily residue with some mineral spirits and then just rattle canned them. I'm pretty impressed with how they've held up.
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This is the same exhaust system I was planning on, I like the H-pipe config as compared to the X that I would normally use on a higher performance vehicle.. Which mufflers did you use and are you happy with the sound and if not ? What do you suggest.
 
This is the same exhaust system I was planning on, I like the H-pipe config as compared to the X that I would normally use on a higher performance vehicle.. Which mufflers did you use and are you happy with the sound and if not ? What do you suggest.
I based it off the Flowmaster "American Thunder" setup. I went with the 40 series vs the Super 44. The 40 to me seems more throaty and less obnoxious. Good tone at idle and gets loud when you open it up.
Pretty sure I just ordered the pipes and crossover kit from Speedway.
I am overall happy with the sound but would really like to add a cut out some day for giggles.
 
This VHT Flame proof paint is supposedly good to 2000 degrees and is a ceramic coating.. The reviews and videos Ive seen so far have been pretty good as long as you prep the metal correctly the first time. I stripped it the best I could down to bare metal, used rubber gloves during handling so I dont transfer hand oils. Used the 2000 degree primer they suggested and am now waiting until the rain stops and the humidity goes down before I apply the final coat of the actual paint/ceramic. I sure hope this works, this is a lot of work.

once you paint them get them on the car and fire it up and let them get as hot as possible, it will smoke like hell and my white turned yellow as hell but it cured it
 
I will be getting to that.. Bet I win the ugly truck contest.. This this is rough, but I had it forever and a bit attached to it..

I might be able to give you a run for your money when it comes to winning the ugly truck contest.... Mine has Flowmasters too!
 
This new to me Holley that I bought used is giving me some troubles. Real lean on accel even in the driveway..Its got the correct size jets, float level is now correct and the 6.5 powervalve is new.. Starts and idles quick and smooth, but on accel stumbles badly but clears up when I hold the choke closed a bit.. Might have to tinker with the jetting, luckily I have a complete jet set left over from my race car days..
 
You might want to check the accelerator pump. Ethanol Draws water, which tends to gum up the check valves on them.
 
Holley is a different animal!

There is also a plastic cam that brings in the accelerator pump when desired.

A small learning curve, but you will be glad you did!
 
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