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512 BBi Muffler Refinish

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by 84boxer, Jan 9, 2011.

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  1. 84boxer

    84boxer Rookie

    Aug 30, 2007
    19
    Western Michigan/Northwestern Indiana/Chicago
    #1 84boxer, Jan 9, 2011
    I want to refinish the four original mufflers on my Boxer, 512 BBi 1984. The OEM coating has a light, bronze-gold finish to it. Can anyone tell me what type of finish htis is and who, if anyone, could refinish them?

    Clint
     
  2. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #2 carguy, Jan 9, 2011
    I doubt there is an actual "coating" on the mufflers. They are made from a low grade stainless steel, and over time and heat cycles they will turn the colors you mention. Not sure what you could do except try and "polish" them with an abrasive....that would take a lot of work and because of the grade of stainless it will never look really nice. Another option is to clean the exhaust peices up and paint them the color you want. It won't look natural but it will look good.
     
  3. 84boxer

    84boxer Rookie

    Aug 30, 2007
    19
    Western Michigan/Northwestern Indiana/Chicago
    #3 84boxer, Jan 9, 2011
    I've pondered this, and you maybe right - it's just that the distinct coloration suggests a coating. My Boxer currently has an AmeriSpec-installed Borla exhaust. I have acquired an OEM system with the goal of restoring the orginality.
     
  4. speer

    speer Rookie

    Jun 23, 2008
    46
    phoenix, az
    Full Name:
    jim speer
    #4 speer, Jan 10, 2011
    I don't mean to hijack the thread at all, but I have an OEM Ansa system for a 512BBi that has been jet coated and was used for only minimal miles, if it is of any interest.
     
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,132
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #5 Rifledriver, Jan 10, 2011
    Being a concours judge I have seen many attempts at restoring the finish on those mufflers.

    Sorry to say but I have yet to see anything that even remotely looks good or right. The natural brown patina should be left in my opinion.
     
  6. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,386
    Houston, Texas
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    Bubba
    #6 BigTex, Jan 10, 2011
    I just read this in some magazine over the weekend....

    Stainless steel that has been sandblasted to natural then ages to the distinctive bronze colored patina.....

    Who knows what car... I was reading about everything from the new Lambos to Jay Lenos vintage Bugattis.

    This would suggest the proper "resto" would be to blast the crap out of it, and let it bronze over again.......zero net sum gain, as Rifledriver points out!!
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,132
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #7 Rifledriver, Jan 10, 2011
    I have seen many bead blasted. They look horrible and the metal finish will never be the same. The smooth surface is gone.
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,386
    Houston, Texas
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    Bubba
    #8 BigTex, Jan 10, 2011
    So the OEM finish is simply the mill finish of the tubing???

    Seems simple enough.....

    I know the bikes and speed boats worry all the time, about their chrome......answer is simple, "don't turn the key".....
     
  9. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
    Full Name:
    Franklin E. Parker
    #9 parkerfe, Jan 10, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2011
    Neither type of OEM exhaust/mufflers on a Boxer were stainless...The OEM 'non-sport' exhaust/mufflers were left natural cold-rolled steel and the OEM 'sport' exhaust/mufflers were painted back
     
  10. PINNIN512

    PINNIN512 Formula 3

    Aug 30, 2002
    1,014
    California
    Full Name:
    David
    #10 PINNIN512, Jan 11, 2011
    Correct! I know this for a fact because i had some rust out spots on mine. After lots of welding done i sent them out to be Jet coated chrome/silver. I wish i left them stock because if any oil leaks drip on the Jet coatings they are permantly stained.
     

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