That black paint is actually just a cheap way to protect the product during
shipping from rust. They could use oil, but it would smoke even worse during
startup. I always let it run for a bit to burn off, then spray the exhaust
with Hitemp BBQ paint. It in turn will burn off after awhile, but usually
lasts at least a season. For permanent results, get it ceramic coated or buy
the HiTemp paint from Eastwood that will last forever.
HTH,
Courtney

-------Original Message-------

From: Simplstupd@AOL.COM
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2003 08:57:45
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: painting exhaust

On the 80-83 exhaust you can just get an extractor in place of the crossover

It comes painted black. After running it about 3 days all of the black will
burn off and now the extractor is almost full of surface rust.

What can be done BEFORE installing it to insure the rust stays at bay a good
while?

Paint it with super hi temp paint then bake it in the oven?

Funny the cheap Bugpack muffler has no rust though...

Paul
'82 Vanagon L Automatic

.