Another Exhaust Tip Cleanup

[DaveVY]

Just a quick post about exhaust tips since I don't recall seeing this since last fall and wanted to keep it alive for newer people.

 

I learned these techniques here on the forum and this is how I currently tackle cleaning stainless exhaust tips:

 

1) Basic cleaning with normal car shampoo or APC

2) Wearing protective gloves, use 0000 steel wool (that is 4 "0"s) along with a small amount of metal polish #1 (usually 12 or so drops). Work the tips until the soot is gone. Depending on the condition this may require adding additional polish if the polish becomes dry and the soot is still there. I use a "shop paper towel" to clean and inspect.

3) Once the black soot is totally removed you can move to using Metal polish #2 on a soft cloth (but I don't bother with microfiber, usually just use a clean "shop paper towel")

4) Will use Detail spray with a microfiber for a final clean

5) If I want them to really 'pop' I will top with a sealant or a glaze but realize that it will be gone within a short time after running the engine.

 

Here is a recent sample before pic on a GMC Acadia after 4 years of no attention to the exhaust tips. The soot isn't too bad but there is some rust/oxidation staining.

 

 

After cleaning the car (also applying SVRT on the plastic bumper) and about 10 minutes of work on the exhaust tips (for these two tips) they looked like this: (no detail spray, glaze or sealant)

 

 

I love the Adam's products and the techniques/tips that we learn here!

[ChargerMatt]

[sarcasm] Can hardly tell the difference. [/sarcasm]

[Jasssc]

Wow! Looks awesome

[Chris@Adams]

Nice job Dave!

[MichiganSRT8]

very nice! nothing better then a pair of shiny tips

[BlueGenCoupe]

I wish my exhaust tips looked like your before pic....mine are blacker than the utility towels

 

Nice job...come do mine next (annoying neighbour while cleaning your car)

[XQIZT]

Yup, that looks good right there! Clean exhaust is just the final touch that really makes a difference.

[NeonSRT-4]

I am going to use this technique later on today....my exhaust tips are in dire need of attention.