R36 exhaust tip

[Purenv]

Any suggestions on cleaning exhaust tip. I have tried metal polish which got rid of some black stuff however there is still black stuff left. I looked into replacing them however just a quick look indicates they are welded on. Your suggestions would be really appreciated.

[brad]

Scotchbrite scouring pad (or similar) or even fine steel wool (like a Steelo soap pad). You'll find them under the sink in the kitchen.

Bunnings have cheap ones - 30 for $3 IIRC. They don't last long but do the job.

[QBDentFree]

I wouldn't be using steel wool or scotchbrite except for a last resort, as you will be left with scratches to polish out afterwards.
What metal polish are you using?

I've had success with very dirty exhaust tips by using a heavy cut compound (menzerna fg500, or scholl s3) to clean it up, followed by your choice of metal polish to bring the shine up.
Generally I'll save time by doing as much as possible with a 3" buffing pad on a drill attachment, but it can certainly be done by hand too.

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[brad]

Fair comment, I guess it depends how fussy you are. I assume if the exhaust tips have got to the point where carwash isn't doing the job then maybe the owner isn't overly worried by micro-scratches? Personally I wouldn't be overly concerned because my exhaust tips are under the body work & nobody but me can see them but I see your point.

I use scourers & similar because that's what they used to use for all the presentation trim on aircraft when I was planning for a sheetmetal workshop. That was mainly aluminium with anodising after polishing or stainless steel.

You could also try spraying carburettor cleaner or carbon remover (like you use for inlet manifolds). Both are mainly fast evaporating hydrocarbons. You'd want to keep them well away from paintwork & plastic though as they will stain.

I'm not sure how others do it but I keep my bucket of suds from the previous wash & wash my sills, guard liners, wheels & exhaust tips first, then change out the (absolutely disgusting) suds to a clean, new mix & use different microfibre mitts for the rest of the car. Doing the really dirty crap first stops all the dirty rinse water spraying all over the freshly washed paintwork.

[QBDentFree]

Agreed, certainly depends how fussy you are. I used my method when giving my car a full detail after buying it, and now just maintain with a quick rub of metal polish every 2 or 3 washes.
I've had a few customers comment "is that a new exhaust" or similar, and a couple have borrowed my mini polisher to have a go themselves while I work on their cars. Now that I think about it, one may have been an r36 owner
Those small details can really lift the overall appearance of a car imo

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[snerlo]

Purenv,
I had this very task two weekends ago right after I purchased our R36 wagon. The exhaust tips were black around the ends. Although I haven't got them fully shiny around the ends, I used a fine piece of steel wool from under the kitchen sink. It had some soap stuff inbuilt so that provided a bit of lubrication. Make sure you use plenty of water though. I didn't have a heavy compound cut polish to use but I might have a go at fixing the final little bit with some compound when I can find some. I might also have a crack with some machinery as the tried and true method of hand polishing gets a little hard after rubbing for a few minutes! The R36's blow some smoke as they run rich so they don't stay clean for long. I also gave a rub up the inside of the tips too and they come up alright as well. It is a rather stubborn thing to get off believe me. I was at it for a good 20 minutes or so but it is worth it. Give us a look at what they look like now, and then likewise after you shine them up. QBDentFree sounds like he knows what he's talking about so his advice should be noted as well, but everyone's personal experience is valuable on these forums. What does your R look like? Post some pics. They are a great looking machine.

[Purenv]

Some pics.

The chrome seems to have corroded away. Will try recommendations. Thanks guys.

[levendi001]

Grab some wheel cleaner it's only carbon. Make sure u get a wheel cleaner with decon in it which will change color when in contact with carbon. Recommend sonax wheel cleaner or einszett wheel cleaner spray on leave for a few minutes agitate if really bad rinse off and you'll be surprised. Then polish with metal polish and 0000 grade steel wool (extra fine) can also apply a high temp sealant to prevent from happening again. Let us know how u get on

[levendi001]

Here's some pics with wheel cleaner didn't even have to touch the exhaust. Sprayed on left for a minute or 2 and high pressure rinsed off. No metal polish just a dry microfiber
And the finished result

[snerlo]

Thats exactly how mine looked before i attacked it with steel wool but the sonax wheel cleaner looks he goods. Where can you purchase this stuff from and what's the damage? I do love looking at these cars. They are exciting to drive too.