I've noticed on other TL's and CL-S's on the road that when you're driving behind them during the day, you can easily notice the ugly discoloration and RUST that accumulates on the exhaust elbow/cross pipes under the back end. I read a post on acura-cl.com and someone sanded the rust off, and painted the pipes titantium w/ rust-protection. I thought -- what a great idea, and I did the same thing, except I used 500 degree F gloss black spray paint -- resists the heat better -- came out great, and when you see the car from the back, it looks so much better! I definitely recommend this for a weekend project for your new TL-S's.



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2002 TL Type S
White Diamond Pearl
Parchment

 

sounds good... any photos? or are they coming?

 

Peter, search on past posts. I also commented on how the rear pipes look. Thought it really detracted from the car's appearance.

There were a couple posts stating that they painted theirs, and it looked good. Only time will tell if the paint holds up.

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1989 Acura Integra LS
1993 Honda Lawn Tractor
2000 Honda Rancher ES 4x4
2002 Acura TL-S (This Year)

 

I just recently did this to my TL, i used 1500 degree heat resistant flat black paint. I painted from where my Comptech exhaust bolt on all the way towards the front. Looks a lot better!

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2000 Fire Pepper Red/ebony TL, non-navi. factory spoiler, std chrome wheels, 35% tint, comptech exhaust, wood trim kit, factory body kit, custom grill...
Quiets ride

 

PeterUbers:

Are these these cross pipes you're talking about the ones 2-3 feet inside from the end of the tail pipes, at the point where the exhaust system bifurcates into the 2 tail pipes?

Is this specific to the 02' TLS or do older TL's/CL's have the same problem?

How did you elevate the car before painting the pipes??

 

1000:

Yes -- they are the pipes you suggest. I really didn't take any drastic measures to finish the job -- I pretty much laid on my back on the floor of my garage and sanded, then painted the pipes. It was a bit tedious like this since I had to get in at all sorts of weird angles, but it paid off. I should have used flat black as someone suggested, but I think the gloss look will do -- heck, it's for my avid viewers who drive behind me!! not for myself!

I hadn't checked previous posts -- I didn't mean to repost a similar topic. I do give credit to both cat5joe, and the person on acura-cl.com for suggesting the idea.

QUIET:

You're right, only time shall tell -- I hope I didn't have to prime the metal first -- cuz I didn't find any heat resistant metal primer at the TrakAuto I went to.. oh well.

 

Hmmmmm .... to paint or not to paint.

Just wondering if its worth the hassle

 

It only took 15 minutes, start to finish -- It's just a simple weekend project -- it was fun.

 

15 minutes isn't too bad .... I had visions of this project taking half a day . Will probably attempt the paint job this weekend. Is there a specific paint that you would recommend, given that those pipes get pretty hot?

 

Run over to the WalMart or a TrakAuto (any car care store for that matter) and pick up a spray can of 500 degree or 1500 degree engine paint -- it'll resist the respective temps -- after driving all day, the paint has dried nicely -- I did give it about four hours to dry before I drove it. The paint shouldn't run you more than 6.00.

 

I have an extra can of Engine Manifold Paint(Silver), can I use that instead??

Andy Kuo

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'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class