First let me say I do not know what I'm talking about. But I've seen chrome tips that after awhile become pitted and discolored (my truck). I was wondering about magnafluxing or high temp paint as an alternative. They could be done in black or perhaps body color. Anyone with experience?

When I raced F500, I used a high-temperature gloss black paint on the resonance chamber, which (I was told) could reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees. The paint held up very well and retained its gloss, although it did show dust very easily. I'll see if I can find the brand name for that paint, but I got it at a regular auto parts store.


That said, I would still prefer the chrome look if I can get it for a reasonable cost.

Not to beat a dead horse, but let me pressed . I’ve had a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system on my auto for years. The tips are also S/S and have always looked better than chromed tips in comparison, a different deep type shine than chrome. I’ve polished the tips with various brands of aluminum polishes with always with brite results. What is causing the S/S tips on our to-be Cayman’s to go brown. Are they of a lower grade of S/S, the heat, or a combination of, or what? They almost look as if there’s a clear coat that’s gone brown from the heat. Boxster’s don’t seem to have this problem do they? Anyway I can hardly wait to polish them with the trusted Autosol followed with some Mothers billet.

zornet

Zornet,


Now you have just given me 2 more thingsI need to add to my Cayman arsenal! I was just goinjg to ask if anybody had any suggestions for polishing those tips.


Aloha Russ

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i dont understand why the tips decolor.. i think it might be due to the snowy roads that have had salt added on to them. but i dont see a reason why they should decolor in sunny california, i havnt seen any boxsters do this.

We have no snow, and the test car is turning ugly fast.


Russ

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So if they go brown it is probably because of heat, which polishing would not do much for - as far as a permanent solution.



I believe any paint solution would be even less durable.



So that leaves us with chrome plating - which should withstand the heat somewhat better, but could also discolor in a high heat situation.



On my own car I plan to polish the tips to a near mirror finish first and see how that lasts.



Edited by - K-Man-sculpture.net on 01/10/2006 7:42:21 PM

After some investigation I conclude that powder coating/magnaflux isn't normal painting but it will be a compromise to a shiny finish. It will retain its color, say black for a long time. I'm going to try a chrome shop first I think unless K-Man-sculpture.net publishes a 'how to'.

Yes I could do that, but I'm just not sure how to make it that easy to actually do. I'll just have to try it first.



If you have shop air and a die grinder the abrasives could be purchased through Grainger or some local company.

I think the S/S tip with aluminium polishes is an good idea. I am doing this on my Gallardo whenever I want the exhaust tip looks shinny.




Edited by - Lambormini on 01/10/2006 8:03:08 PM

That is a fantastic car but, not much of the tip is showing [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/regular_smile.gif[/img] On the other hand, on the Cayman the tip is a big part of the car - if one looks at any pictures from the back it stands out a lot. I think you mention before that the Cayman was for your wife ( correct me if I am wrong ) - lets hope she does not out drive you in her Cayman [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/drive.gif[/img]

Yes, the Cayman S is for my wife.[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thumbsup.gif[/img]

My new tips... http://caymanclub.net/topic.asp?TOPI...le=Cayman+Chat

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PACayman
Factory: 2006 Cayman S / Lapis Blue / Stone Grey Full Leather & Heated Sport Seats with Crest.
Sport Wheel / Bose / Bi-Xenon / TPMS / Carerra S 19" with Colored Crest / PASM / Sport Chrono / Climate Control

After Market: Clear Bra / Aluminum Pedals / Sport Tip / De-Snork / Clear Markers

Kaiser,

You da best! I really enjoy your write ups, and I sure do agree with you about the first part! Keep em coming buddy.

Aloha Russ

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