Corvette Restoration Tip: Exhaust Manifolds
This Corvette Restoration Tip is brought to you by Zip Corvette and can be found in Zip’s free Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalogs – request one online today.
Cast iron exhaust manifolds will begin to rust at the first sign of moisture, leaving your Corvette’s engine compartment looking decidedly less than “Best of Show”. Begin removing the manifolds by first liberally spraying all bolts with penetrating oil. Repeat this step at least three or four times over the next hour. The last thing you want is a stud twisted off into the base of your manifold – have patience and take your time with the following steps.
Corvette Exhaust Manifold
Once all bolts are well soaked, loosen the three manifold to pipe stud nuts. With a wire brush, clean the stud under the nut and apply more penetrating oil. Now you can slowly remove the nuts. Next unbolt the manifolds from the head (these bolts are grade 8 and rarely cause problems). Bead blast or wire brush the manifolds to clean off all traces of rust, then wipe them down using a small amount of lacquer thinner. Do not wash the manifolds as cast iron absorbs water. After cleaning, apply Calyx manifold dressing. The secret to applying this cream is to slowly rub it into the manifold, working it down into the pores of the cast iron. Do not use too much, as you only want to change the color of the piece. Reinstall the freshly restored manifolds, step back and admire the results!
For an in depth look on how to detail your Corvette’s exhaust manifolds without removal, click here.
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