Cast iron

[Alss]

OK, noticed a exhaust leak while tuning the COPO. Was coming from the drivers side head tube..figured it was a bad donut or loose bolts..something easy...NOT! One bolt boss has snapped off with the stud still in it http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I know it can be repaired, ( I called ) but there is no time before my first show (Musclepalooza)to get it repaired.( I asked ) . SO for a temporary fix I bought a set of repop manifolds that I am going to put on while I wait for the others to be repaired/recoated.
My question: I like the look of natural cast iron. What should I treat these virgin casting with? Should I paint them with cast iron heat paint?..or leave them natural and use some kind of coating after each use?..suggestions, comments..ideas all welcome. Thanks

Albert

[SS427]

Albert,
If you want just a quick virgin cast iron look with a temporary protection, spray several light coats of VHT's "Copper" on the new set of manifolds. It looks really dorky until you heat the engine/manifolds up. At that point they turn a very slight cast iron rainbow look and look like virgin cast iron. They will not rust for a short period but you may want to refinish them down the road if you keep them. We used to do this on the Corvettes we were going to be showing when I worked for Corvette Specialties in the 80's. As long as they have not changed the formula since then, it worked very well.
Rick

[Alss]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, the new manifolds are on!! 3.25 hours of sheer joy swapping them over. I have to say this..the repro manifolds look and fit great!!..no issues at all. Used the Clyx to protect them..well see how it holds up..like it for now..car sounds so much better without the annoying exhaust leak!!

ALbert