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View Full Version : Cleaning a Stock GT Catback


SlvrStang99
08-16-2008, 01:55 PM
Well I said I would post up my catback thread, so here it is. I will include the link to my original thread at the bottom if you guys want to read the posts.

[quote]Hey guys, I recently bought a stock GT catback from Tanner. I wanted to have the stock pipes with the hangers on it. Anyways, he sent it to me and I started cleaning. I've only had time to do the driver-side tailpipe section. I used brake cleaner and a steel brush to get the rust off (even on the tip). Then I shot some 1200 degree primer and aluminum finish paint. Since I heard Donnie talking about Never Dull, I decided to try it. It may polish out even more with some Mothers :)

Here is a pic of the uncleaned tailpipe section vs. the cleaned one. The tip had not been polished yet.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0101.jpg

Improved, painted and polished tailpipe :)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0002.jpg

The old finish vs. the new.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0015.jpg

And finally the new painted and polished pipe vs. the untouched one.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0006.jpg

Here are the two tailpipes together.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0008.jpg

And finally, I took a picture of the hanger side so you can see how much rust I got rid of :)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0018.jpg

Well, what do you guys think? Made it look pretty good eh? *pats self on shoulder* lol
Here are some pics of the Muffler section after I had cleaned it. The last two are after I painted it.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0001.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0007.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0008-2.jpg

And here is what the finished product looks like. Enjoy :)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0010.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/dierks_outlaw54/SM%20Garage%20Mods/DSCI0008-1.jpg

I thought I did a good job overall. It looks a lot better than it did. Now I just need to wait for my Headers, Stainless Hangers, and O2 Sensor Extensions to come in. I haven't ordered MILs yet because AmericanMuscle is out of stock :(

I wasn't concerned about painting the mufflers because I'm sure they will get replaced...so I just cleaned them up real good to satisfy my OCD lol.[/quote:2wftm269]

So what do you guys think? It was some work, but I'm very happy with the results. It just took about 5 cans of brake cleaner and several hours of my life lol. Here is the link to the original thread:
http://www.silvermustangs.com/forum/vie ... =16&t=5598 (http://www.silvermustangs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=5598)

***EDIT***
Oh yeah, and my total price w/shipping was $60 bucks. I probably spent $10-15 on brake cleaner and a steel brush, and another $10 on paint. So $80-85 total cost for it. Not too bad at all. Although the muffler shop I went to charged me $70 to weld the tailpipes (cut off right past the axle) back on. I normally go to a place in my hometown because he charges cheap, but he was unavailable that day.

So I guess you could say my total was actually $150, which is still cheaper than buying a new system...but more than it should've been. If I hadn't have insisted on getting them welded on right there, it might've cost me less. I will go to my hometown for my muffler install tho because he charged $20 a piece last time.

oxman
08-16-2008, 05:07 PM
dude, that looks pretty awesome! well done!

1low03gt
08-17-2008, 11:55 AM
You did an amazing job cleanning those up!!

SonicSteed
08-18-2008, 10:01 AM
that looks freakin awesome man, looks great!!!