80 Special Exhaust Question

[Kit]

A local salvage yard has the right side for an '80 and the left side for a '79. Will they fit up together? Are the mounting points the same, or would some modifications be necessary?

[DGXSER]

If they are both from Special models, they should bolt right up no problem. If one is form a special and the other from a standard, it would be a waste of time to try to mate them up.

[Kit]

They're both from Specials, just different years. That's good news. Now I just have to hope he still has them after January 1st. Won't have the money until then.

[cywelchjr]

As I understand it, the 79 special side covers are a match for the 80 standard side covers except for the slots/holes on the top. I don't believe that the 80 special side covers are quite the same size and shape, and are not interchangeable. You can however swap 80 standard and 79 special side covers with some dremel work on the top to make them fit on the mounting points.

[DGXSER]

Ummm..Cy....We were talking exhaust...not side covers.

But you are correct on side covers. And the 80 and 81 Special side covers will interchange, with the exception that the emblems are different.

[crazy steve]

... And the 80 and 81 Special side covers will interchange, with the exception that the emblems are different.

Ok, which special side cover fits the '81H? The 'parts bike' '81 standard I got has a 'special' right side cover, and it's not the same as the set of '80SG covers I have....

[cywelchjr]

Ummm..Cy....We were talking exhaust...not side covers.

But you are correct on side covers. And the 80 and 81 Special side covers will interchange, with the exception that the emblems are different.

Ooooooppss, sorry, got confused there .

[Kit]

Finally got those exhausts, though it turns out they're both from a '79. The left side has quite a bit of rust, but the right side isn't too bad. Both have a few small dents here and there.

So, now I have 2 questions:

1) What is the best way to go about cleaning up the rust without stripping off the chrome in the process? Or is that even possible?

2) How are the pipes supposed to connect in the center? Should there be a clamp or something else that I don't have?

And now, some pics for your viewing pleasure...

[crazy steve]

Finally got those exhausts, though it turns out they're both from a '79. The left side has quite a bit of rust, but the right side isn't too bad. Both have a few small dents here and there.

So, now I have 2 questions:

1) What is the best way to go about cleaning up the rust without stripping off the chrome in the process? Or is that even possible?

2) How are the pipes supposed to connect in the center? Should there be a clamp or something else that I don't have?

Very nice looking pipes.

To answer the second question first, yes, you need a clamp for that. This is the same clamp as what is used to clamp the inner header pipe to the collector and is the same for all XS models, so it should be easy to get. These are 'handed' (left/right) but the only difference is which way the bolt faces.

Removing rust from chrome? Well, if rust is present the chrome is already gone, but to keep from removing good chrome I'll just use a decent chrome polish. Where you have heavy rust that just the polish won't remove, I've had the best luck by using a SS 'toothbrush' with chrome polish on it and scrubbing the rusty spots until all the brown is gone (bare metal). Try to stay off of 'good' chrome as the brush will scratch the finish. Now, the bare spots will quickly rust again, so I'll clean them with solvent then spray some high-heat silver paint on them. After the paint dries, use the polish to remove the overspray and that's about as good as it'll look. Rust never sleeps, so expect to redo this from time to time...

Some guys use wire wheels on a drill or dremel, but that's too aggressive for me and tends to take off more than you want.

[natemoen]

Could always go for ceramic coating!

[trdriver71]

Could always go for ceramic coating!

I just went to the motorcycle show in edmonton yesterday and there was a booth there that does ceramic coatings and said he could do my exhaust for $200 est. is this a good price?

[natemoen]

I just went to the motorcycle show in edmonton yesterday and there was a booth there that does ceramic coatings and said he could do my exhaust for $200 est. is this a good price?

I would say so! especially of they prep them and do the inside as well!

[trdriver71]

I would say so! especially of they prep them and do the inside as well!

yeah they said everything start to finish and what ever colour i wanted including a chrome like finish

[natemoen]

yeah they said everything start to finish and what ever colour i wanted including a chrome like finish

Sounds good to me!

[Kit]

yes, you need a clamp for that. This is the same clamp as what is used to clamp the inner header pipe to the collector and is the same for all XS models, so it should be easy to get. These are 'handed' (left/right) but the only difference is which way the bolt faces.

Cool, I'll start looking for one.

to keep from removing good chrome I'll just use a decent chrome polish. Where you have heavy rust that just the polish won't remove, I've had the best luck by using a SS 'toothbrush' with chrome polish on it and scrubbing the rusty spots until all the brown is gone (bare metal).

I just talked to my dad about an hour ago, that's basically what he suggested as well.

Could always go for ceramic coating!

Yup, the thought crossed my mind. I'm planning to call around this week to find out who does it around here. Get some quotes on both that and re-chroming.