Ramhorn bolts and paint?

[muddpile]

I was working on my truck tonight and noticed every bolt on my ramhorn manifolds needed tightening (both sides). Whether they rattled loose or were never tightened, I have no idea, but what does everyone use for bolts? Mine look like regular bolts with lock washers.

Also, what can I do to make them look good? I've heard of POR-15 manifold paint, but is that the only option?

[HeavyD]

Eastwood makes manifold paint as well. You can always send them to Top Gun coatings in Calgary to have them ceramic coated if want to spend some $$.

[muddpile]

I have actually thought about getting them ceramic or Jet Hot coated, but I'm not sure of the price. That would be a lot of work, as they are pretty pitted and the cast is rough, but it would be worth it in the end.

[72freak]

I used some grade 8 bolts for mine......but they loosen periodically also. I have tried just about every manufacturer of high temp paint for manifolds and none of it has lasted (for me). I even tried gas grill paint fron the hardware store. It lasted longer than any header manifolld paint I have ever tried but it eventually burnt off too. Ceramic coating is going to be about the only way to go from my experience.

If any of you have had any luck with any other type of paint/coating...let us know.

[71-longbed]

what size are those exhaust manifold bots exactly ??

[mrein3]

Two things:
Run don't walk to the Eastwoods site and buy their manifold paint. I put it on over a year ago and it still looks good. (I don't work for Eastwoods).

I painted my bolt heads with their stuff too.

For keeping the bolts from coming loose, you need those little tin deals. I think they are called "French Locks". Maybe somebody has a picture for you. If nobody has a picture handy I can snap a digi-shot some time of mine if you're interested.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by mrein3

Two things:
Run don't walk to the Eastwoods site and buy their manifold paint......

I have to agree with mrein3. Esatwood manifold paint is awesome. I have used it on a lot of different vehicles with great results. I hear POR15 paint works good too, but I can't vouch for it like Eastwood...

[boundstaffpress]

French locks are the cheapest easiest way to keep bolts tight. There are, of course, more expensive methods. Stop buy your machine shop or mechanic. Mine keeps some extras around from when he installs headers and the customer no longer needs them. Usually rusty used parts from my mechanic come free, but then I've already paid him plenty to store some of my rusty old parts.

[1-PU70]

here ya go

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...&dept%5Fid=159

[Fred T]

Those french locks help, but don't completely solve the problem due to the constant heat expansion & contraction. For headers you can get some bolts with a better locking device, but not for stock manifolds.

For finishes, I have had good results with the VHT line. Around here A-zone sells it. But you do need a very clean surface for it to stick. If you have access to a bead blast cabinet it will be a huge help in cleaning for any finish. I used the POR-15 manifold paint on my 52 6 years ago, it has since rusted through.

[4tiresngas]

I used the Eastwood manifold coating. It worked great. It comes with brushes. The manifolds are the best looking things under my hood.

As far as bolts, I tried to find new hardware. I was unable to find grade 8 bolts of the exact same length. I ended up using my old ones after I cleaned them up.

[muddpile]

Looks like I'll have to pick up those french locks (I need some parts for my vette anyways, so I can save on shipping) and I'll check out that eastwood manifold paint too. The truck will be a daily driver (most likely just in the nice months, but its hard to say) so they will see a few miles. Thanks!

[SideStepper]

The answer is to prep before paint. When cleaning old exhaust manifolds use a rotary wire brush in a drill motor to remove heavy rust. Remove studs & lightly use a sander/grinder on the flanges & sealing/gasket surfaces. Now is the secret......Once all surfaces are brushed and/or sanded use spray brake or carb cleaner to wash out cast iron pours. If you wipe down the manifolds with a clean white rag, you can see the cast iron dust remaining on the surfaces. When the cleaner evaporates of the manifolds spray paint. I have had good luck with BBQ 1500 degree paint. After paint, let the manifolds air dry several days before install them on engine. This allows the paint to "flash off" & set itself onto the manifold.

[wanted]

ACE Hardware brand BBQ paint. Lots of colors, I've used aluminum color with good results.