My '64 Nova is in pristine condition under the hood except for the exhaust. My headers look like #@%&! Considering using our friend down in Fresno who has an add in the 12 Port News. Thoughts on coatings that other members are using & why you prefer your choice.

If I could afford it, I'd go with true ceramic coating. My friend had his header ceramic coated inside and out. It not only looks amazing a year later, it reduced his underhood temps greatly.
My two cents.

Ceramic coating if you can afford it. Otherwise, Eastwood sells a header/manifold paint or coating that comes in several different "colors" for about $25.00. Works ok for about 4,000 miles, less if you long haul in the rain. Should be available at you local speed shop.

Also, VHT's "Flameproof" paint, works well, lasts a long time.

I've had 2 sets of headers coated with the metallic-ceramic coating. I've also used a coating called Gun-Cote or Gun-Kote (don't remember which way they spelled it now)and hi-temp header paint. Of all of these coatings, the metallic-ceramic is unquestionably the best. I had a set of Hooker headers with that coating, and the headers wore out before the coating did. I'm now running a set of Pacesetter headers coated with the metallic-ceramic silver, and they still look great after 3 years. The ceramic coating is more expensive than other types, but it's well worth the money. If you ever have an exhaust coated with it, you'll never want to use anything else ever again.

I just had a set of Clifford Shorty Headers ceramic coated by Cap's. They were about 175.00 with the 10% discount you get by mentioning their ad in the 12 Port News. They look real good.
Now,I'll have to see how they last...

Burned on grease and oil works pretty well.A leaky valve cover gasket keeps the coating looking like new.

I dont care who ya are...thats funny right there!!!

Thanks for the responses. Camino...I got the same Clifford headers too. Ya just got to love New Yakers..thanks for the comic relief Tony! I will call Caps on Monday to see what his turn around time is. I want to get 'em done before the weather gets to the point were I don't want the Duce out of service. I am about a 2 hour drive north of Fresno. Sounds like the way to go.

6T4Duce, you might also look at Jet-Hot. They're the folks that invented (developed?) the ceramic coatings in the first place. Check their website at http://www.jet-hot.com . They might even be less expensive than Cap's.

I'm sorta serious about the oil coating.Brush cheap non detergent oil on the pipes,run it till the smoke clears,coat them again,run it.Leaves a mostly brown coating on the pipes that's easily touched up.For a touch of Italian performance,use olive oil.

Now Tony, that's gotta be EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL , right?

Hey Cosmo,no,use the cheap stuff unless aroma is a factor,lol.
Seriously,in the old days on my British bikes the oil leaks would coat the pipes leaving a heavy brown stain to protect them from the elements.