cleaning up an XJ exhaust

[OpFlash]

Ok so I ofcourse had to pull the exhaust off of the XJ in the process of replacing the tires on the bike. The chrome and overall condition of the mufflers are in pretty good shape. The headers are decent with some blueing etc. I did notice that the section of the pipes just past the headers where the two headers turn into one are quite rusty. I was wondering your opinions on trying to clean up and then paint the bottom sections of the exhaust where its rusty. Im looking to try and prevent the pipes from rusting further. I am possibly thinking aobut Jet-Hot coating the headers in the future. Im wondering if they can do it with rust in place. I am assuming that hightemp paint is the way to go. Do they make high temp in chorme? Any other ideas or tips?
thanks

[Brian_D]

Eastwood's Rust Dissolver

still haven't used it myself but it sure looks promising. the April 2007 Eastwood catalog - looks like the Eastwood Rust Dissolver might be the ticket.

[STEPPENWOLF]

OK I try never to start a new thread so this might not be the right thread to post on.Got a '80 special with stock exhaust,every time i put the side kick stand down I always seem to manage to hit the muffler and after a time I always get a black mark( heels melting) on the muffler from my shoes/boots hitting the dang thing.Lots of elbow grease and wax works but today I used gasket remover .....only took me 27 years to figure that one out..thought about oven cleaner which I use in lawn care but it is very corossive.

[trbig]

LOL... Still trying to figure out why you had to take the exhaust off to change a tire?? Some of the old models of the XS had to have the suspension tied down to get by the exhaust.... but the XJ isn't one of those. Unless you just wanted to take a look at them.


Tod

[OpFlash]

I was removing both wheels in order to replace both tires. The XJ's exhaust runs right under the frame. So I dont see any other way of jacking up the bike while removing both wheels. My motorcycle lift is the basic one that slides under the frame. I guess I couldve used the centerstand with a car jack but I dont think that was going to be the safest way to go. Plus I didnt want to jack it up by using the enging. I was also not going to remove one wheel at a time to have it mounted and balanced. What are you guys doing when jacking up your XJ's Im open for suggestions.

[fredintoon]

"What are you guys doing when jacking up your XJ's Im open for suggestions."

Hi Op,
With the sidecar rig I'd use 2 hydraulic jacks, one under each lower sidecar attachment bracket. As you say, jacks ain't too stable lifting a solo bike so if I needed to remove both wheels from one I'd hang the machine from my garage crane with 4 tie-down straps.

[AlanB]

Hi Guys, I

I put a couple of ratchet straps from the bike (front and rear) up to the main beam in the garage roof, and just lift it off the floor.

Where the straps attach on the bike depends on what bits are coming off.

AlanB

[trbig]

I always just use the center stand and use a floor jack with a piece of wood on the oil pan. BUT... I don't guess I have ever taken both wheels off at once.

Tod

[brownbear1000]

jacking bike

I have a bike jack and all i do is put some block on it to clear the pips works great< two 4x4s about 18 inc long > on the jack.