Cleaning Exhaust Tips

[sbw]

What's the best way to clean chrome exhaust tips? I have some black stuff that seems to build up more and more. I want to nip this in the bud. Thanks.

[beshannon]

I would like to know too as nothing I have bought or tried will clean and shine them. I have tried polish, dremels etc.

[M0nK3y]

I take degressor, and spray them on my tips. Then i used a pressure washer and it just falls right off. Then i usally take an old clay bar and rub off the rest.......

[sbw]

Degreaser? Like Spray Nine? Will it harm the chrome?

[nathancarter]

I tried a variety of products and cleaners. I was disappointed that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser did practically nothing.

Finally tried Blue Magic metal polish, and it worked better than anything else. They're still not perfect. I figure I'll give 'em a bit of polish every time I wash it, and eventually they'll be shiny again.

BEFORE
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/megarath2000/BMW/tipsbefore.jpg


AFTER
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/megarath2000/BMW/tipsafter.jpg


The photos aren't the best, but you can definitely see the soot build-up on the bottom edge and inside of the left tip, has been removed in the "AFTER" photo. It's still not super-reflective chrome, though. The right tip is much better but still has some visible black soot.

I haven't tried a clay bar, I don't want to contaminate the only bar I have. Maybe I'll pinch off a bit of clay and see how it works.

[BMW Blitz]

I don't have chrome tips or anything but I just used one of those steel wool pads with some soap. But I don't know if that will scratch chrome.

[sbw]

:confused I wouldn't chance it!

[breden]

"never dull" works well in between washes.

[Matt@Autogeek]

The best product to use on chrome exhaust tips is BLUE JOB.
Blue-Job is a powder that forms a thick paste when mixed with water. Dampen a cloth and dip it in the powder. As you rub the pipe, the powder will turn into a paste. Rub as hard as it takes for the blue to disappear. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and your pipes will be as good as new. Blue-Job does take some elbow grease, but the results are well worth it. It cuts through rust, grime, burnt-on scuffs and that blue patina better than anything you’ve tried before.

Blue-Job not only works, it is completely safe for you and the environment. It’s non-toxic, non-irritating, all natural, pH balanced, and does not generate noxious fumes. It contains no acids, petroleum distillates, harsh chemicals, or wax. Nothing in Blue-Job will scratch or eat away the shiny chrome finish.

You can also use Blue-Job on copper, stainless steel, and brass. It delivers excellent results on bumpers, wheels, and grills, too.

Blue-Job comes in a half ounce jar. This doesn’t seem like much, but this patented polish goes a long way. And the small jar travels easily so you can keep it in your saddlebag for quick touch-ups; the contents are not combustible. As Blue-Job says, “Chrome so bright, you gotta wear shades!”

http://www.autogeek.net/blujob.html
http://www.autogeek.net/index.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/

[M0nK3y]

Rob, could this help remove some tar? i have some stuck on my exhaust

[BlackSapphire]

I use #0000 steel wool and some silver/metal polish. Works great on my factory stainless exhaust.

[scott508]

P21S metal polish and sponge applicator does the trick for me.

[M0nK3y]

I use #0000 steel wool and some silver/metal polish. Works great on my factory stainless exhaust.

steel wool doesn't scratch your tips?

[Matt@Autogeek]

The Blue Job will help remove the TAR that is stuck on the exhaust tips. Using a PINNACLE Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad with the Blue Job will work the best for removing the TAR.

http://www.autogeek.net/pinsafscrub.html
http://www.autogeek.net/bluejob.html
http://www.autogeek.net/index.html

[jmillet]

Sounds like the name of a musical group, but it's the product combo I've found works best on both chrome and stainless steel exhaust tips.
http://www.lusterlace.com/auto.html
www.heavymetalpolish.com

[ProStreetDriver]

never dull or eagle one is best for buffing chrome

[onetrillionrpm]

mothers wheel cleaner ftw

[vadim321go]

ok not to confuse the OP:

DO NOT USE SANDPAPER/STEEL WOOL ON UR CHROME TIPS! the chrome will just flake off. i used sandpaper on mine but mine was just stainless steel

[Poom]

ok not to confuse the OP:

DO NOT USE SANDPAPER/STEEL WOOL ON UR CHROME TIPS! the chrome will just flake off. i used sandpaper on mine but mine was just stainless steel


yup

[ac34351]

The Blue Job will help remove the TAR that is stuck on the exhaust tips. Using a PINNACLE Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad with the Blue Job will work the best for removing the TAR.

http://www.autogeek.net/pinsafscrub.html
http://www.autogeek.net/bluejob.html
http://www.autogeek.net/index.html (http://www.autogeek.net/index.html)

good info, i will try one. :D

[FtL Don]

I used to detail yachts for a living, and found that two of the best things to have in your toolkit are also the cheapest:

--WD40 dissolves tar and removes it without the risk of scratching. I'd follow it with a spray of a quick detailer.

--Barkeeper's Friend is sold in the grocery store, with the cleaning supplies and usually next to Bon Ami. It LOOKS like a scouring powder, but its consistency is more like talcum. Its active ingredient is oxalic acid in a dilute form, which neutralizes rust and oxidation. I used to use it on the stern of boats where the diesel exhaust would leave black soot on the exhaust pipe and the fiberglass; it removes the black stuff in seconds. Dissolve a little on a cloth or sponge, and apply very little pressure. I had a Mini S convertible with the dual chrome exhausts in the middle, BKF cleaned that black residue out of the end of the pipes effortlessly. Good on brake dust on wheels too--just remember to use it gently, feel the powder between your fingers and you'll quickly get a sense that it has a tiny bit of "tooth", but not one of "grit."

It is like magic on chrome and stainless (this is off topic, but if you have a stainless sink at home, give it a try on that first and you will see.) Anywhere you have a speck of rust, even clothing, apply a paste of BKF and let it sit for a few minutes, rinse, and the rust will usually disappear. A can of it retails for under $2.

I hope this helps. My latest is a '90 325 I convertible, Alpine White II, which looks as if it hasn't seen anything more than a drive-through carwash in years. I bought a Porter Cable 7424 and Klasse products from Autogeek this week, and hope to start bringing it back this weekend.

Don