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Author Topic: Refinishing black mufflers?  (Read 2016 times)

AlfromNH

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Refinishing black mufflers?
« on: November 24, 2013, 07:51:35 AM »
I have a line on a used pair of stock mufflers:


Black wouldn't be my first choice, and I'd certainly like ones in better shape cosmetically. But these look solid, and he's offering them for $80 shipped.

What would be my options for refinishing them? How expensive?

Input appreciated  :)


Offline Luca

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2013, 08:41:30 AM »
I sprayed mine flat black with rattle cans, but I'm pretty sure the product I used has a range of colors.  It's called VHT flame proof paint and good to 2000F  I did the whole exhaust system, the mufflers don't need as high a temp paint as the headers.

VHT has pretty cryptic instructions, and there's not a whole lot of help on the web.  Their primer is also poorly labeled; it's in the same can as the paint (doesn't say primer on the front) so you have to check the color code on the back near the bar code.  About $10 a can.  One of each should handle the mufflers.

There are other high temp paints out there.  I think POR makes one

Then there's the cost of prep materials.  I used sandpaper in some spots, but some would say that they should only be blasted or chemically cleaned.  Don't skimp on the prep, it's the most important part of a quality job.  Monte just put up a good post in a thread about painting fairings.  Your mufflers aren't fiberglass, but a lot of the principles carry through.

For more money--you'd have to call around on prices--you could have them chromed or powdercoated, though not all powdercoat finishes are suitable for exhaust.

For a whole lot less money you could try oil blackening--think cast iron pan--but I'm not sure how that would hold up to the elements.
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

Offline montmil

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2013, 10:28:31 AM »
Before I installed repop chrome Dunstall mufflers on both my R65s, I had repainted one pair of OEM LS-style muffs using a satin black finish. Prep is key and then careful refit to avoid scratching the new paint.

I didn't have a concern with the other LS muffs as they had an OEM "black chrome" finish that was very snazzy.

Prep, prep and prep. Allow the paint to cure and harden for a week or so prior to refitting those header/muff clamps.
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline nhmaf

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2013, 10:30:56 AM »
The POR high temp paint for headers is called "Black Velvet" -- I've used it on my exhaust system for some years now - it tends to last a couple years and then I have to sand and repaint.    It isn't bad, but I keep my eyes open for something better.
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

AlfromNH

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2013, 10:58:25 AM »
Thanks for the input, guys. I'm not sure if I'll go for these or not. My headers are not black, but they're mostly rust, so they'll need help regardless. I don't see being able to get a decent chrome look out of them so maybe black would be more realistic a goal.

There's a local company that does powdercoating, Ill see if they do the high temp version.

Offline Luca

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2013, 11:45:34 AM »
I think it's called jet hot or something similar.  Might be a ceramic type coating.

Anything you put on your exhaust will be softer than chrome, so extra care will be needed to keep it from getting damaged.
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2013, 12:13:11 PM »
It's Jet Hot  .

http://www.jet-hot.com/

They have a local shop about three miles from me .

I checked on having an LS exhaust system done by them and the cost was around $500 for the entire system, this was 4 years ago .
« Last Edit: November 24, 2013, 12:22:20 PM by Bob_Roller »
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
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Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

AlfromNH

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2013, 02:04:10 PM »
Quote
I checked on having an LS exhaust system done by them and the cost was around $500 for the entire system, this was 4 years ago .

Well that rules that out!  :o

Offline Luca

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2013, 07:18:26 PM »
If I ever get around to owning a ratty bike (I won't "distress" the appearance on purpose), I'm gonna try oil-blackening the inevitably cruddy pipes.

Works like a cast iron pan;  heat the metal, douse with oil.  Or, throw em on the barbie in an oil bath.

Used oil (especially from a diesel) will give you a dark, even black finish.  Lighter oils will go closer to a golden brown.
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

AlfromNH

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2013, 07:45:09 PM »
I wonder if they'd ever stop smelling like burnt oil? Im not sure I'd want the bike in my garage  :-?

Offline montmil

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2013, 08:35:17 PM »
Quote
... My headers are not black, but they're mostly rust, so they'll need help regardless...

There's the option of heat wrap.



My '83 had really nasty headers than even sanding the rust and painting with hi-temp black was unsatisfactory. I used one-inch, tan, heat wrap from Jegs. Also available in black tape. The required stainless steel zip ties wee sourced at Ace Hardware for less bucks than through the hot rod store.

I had previously cut away the two x-over pipes and made curved patches from the scrapped x-overs, welded to the headers. So much easier in removing the exhaust system, if needed, and no detectable change in performance.

EMGO Norton Dunstall repops provide a rich sound.
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

AlfromNH

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2013, 10:50:46 PM »
That's a nice looking bike, Monti. Are the Emgos loud?

Offline montmil

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #12 on: November 25, 2013, 07:32:10 AM »
Quote
That's a nice looking bike, Monti. Are the Emgos loud?

There are many definitions of "loud" among motorcyclists so YMMV with mine.

Stock BMW mufflers, at least Airhead mufflers, have always been stealthy quiet. The original Dunstall muffs, along with these repops, allow the bikes to, well, sound like motorcycles. At full song, they can be pretty roarty. Putting around the vil, not so much.

Now, the D&D slip-ons fitted to my Triumph 900 Triple always let peeps know I'm in the hood. ::)
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

AlfromNH

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Re: Refinishing black mufflers?
« Reply #13 on: November 25, 2013, 04:02:51 PM »
I prefer "stealth mode", although I could live with something a bit louder.  8-)