Help with cleaning a used HKS exhaust

Amuse370z

Just picked up a used HKS exhaust. I wouldn't say its in the best condition but I got a good deal on it. Now I just want to clean it up before I store it for installation in May.





1. What should I use to clean up the muffler cans? I want it to shine like a mirror again.
2. What should I use to clean up the Titanium tips?
3. Would you recommend replacing the rusted screws on the tips, or to clean them up with WD40 or something?
4. Is it possible to fix the dent? Should I even bother?
5. Should I clean the entire exhaust, because I wasn't going to clean anything beyond the muffler, I am afraid of it's exposure to winter salt.

Thanks in advance.

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P's_Z

Responses to some of your questions:

1. What should I use to clean up the muffler cans? I want it to shine like a mirror again. Ive used a product called blue magic that works wonders on the exhausts ive had before. If you cant find it, Im sure ther are other OTC products that can also do the job.

3. Would you recommend replacing the rusted screws on the tips, or to clean them up with WD40 or something? Yes, replace these screws with the correct screws if possible

5. Should I clean the entire exhaust, because I wasn't going to clean anything beyond the muffler, I am afraid of it's exposure to winter salt. What ive done with exhausts in the past is paint them flat black(not the mufflers though). You cant really see the exhaust and painting them should also provide some protection from the elements(ive used high heat temp paint, no issues with rust). Before painting, you should clean then prime the exhaust first.

Hope this helps

Marti

You can use brake cleaner to remove most of the salt and then for the canister and tips I like to use a product called White Diamond for polishing...it should be available at your local parts store for about $15-17

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SouthArk370Z

1) I'd try a Scotchbrite (or similar) pad and some general-purpose metal polish. But that may not give you a mirror finish.
2) No idea.
3) Definitely replace. The corroded threads on the fasteners will chew on the tubing every time you turn them. Make sure you clean all rust/corrosion from the tubing where the fasteners are screwed in. I suggest using a small amount of anti-sieze compound on the threads to minimize future rust/corrosion (a little dab'll do ya).
4) My guess is that it would cost more to fix than it's worth. YMMV
5) If it's stainless steel, a light scrubbing with clean water should be enough to remove any corrosive road chemicals. You might want to blow some warm air through the tubing before storing to dry out the inside.

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luigi90210

CLR should remove rust and corrosion and give it a nice shine

you could also use brasso or some other metal polisher and do it all by hand

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Amuse370z

Thank you to everyone for the replies. I didn't have time to read this thread before I left this morning but I did a bunch of research last night, mainly from past replies on 350z and Evo forums.

Basically what I did was:

1. Car soap and warm water
2. WD40 - sprayed everywhere then waited 10 minutes.
3. Used Nevr-Dull

Here are the results after 4 hours of labour, pictures don't even do it any justice:





Main problem: I can't get the rusted bolts on the tips off.

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SouthArk370Z

Nice.

For the rusted fasteners, I'd try soaking with WD-40 (or similar) for a few days.

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zefaulter

Good job man, you cleaned it up real nice! Did you get his hfc?

God-Speed

JARblue

If you're still having trouble with the bolt, I recommend PB Blaster Penetrating Oil.

Also, I'm sure your exhaust looks a million times better, but FWIW, I've had incredible results using Adam's two step metal polish. It's the best stuff I've found for polishing out scratches.

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edub370

don't use scotch bright. too abrasive. a good multi purpose cleaner and a polish (mothers, etc.. ) would work just fine.

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SouthArk370Z

The PB Blaster mentioned earlier has worked well for me. Any good penetrating oil should do the trick but PB Blaster is high on my list.

The fasteners on the tips may be there forever (unless you break them off, ofc). They are exposed to hot, corrosive gases mixed with water and tend to become VERY corroded. Use some anti-sieze when you replace them (only takes a tiny bit) and they should be easier to remove next time.

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P's_Z

That exhaust looks brand new... Now sell it to me for dirt cheap

Kidding... Or am I?

+1 for the PB blaster, that stuff works great!!! And great job getting it cleaned up!

Amuse370z

Will it work on the titanium as well? I don't mind the stainless steel scratches since its not going to be exposed very much when it is under the car.

I mainly want the bolts off because I want to adjust the left side, the previous owner must've backed up into something that caused the dent as well as pushing the tips all the way in. If you look closely you can see it too.

I'm going to try the PB Blaster, if it doesn't work then I'm going to ask the body shop what they can do when they install it, I just want the tips to be parallel.


Nah, he had TPs, he was selling it for $100 on his ad, but he wouldn't throw them in the deal when I asked. I'm guessing he gave them to Jon or something.

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zefaulter

Jon's got Berk HFC IIRC. what happened to sam's car btw?