| Author | Message | ||
     Manimal |
So i wrapped my headers tonight and all i have to say is holy fiberglass Batman!!!! I've showered like 4 times and i can still feel it on me. I cant believe what a mess that wrap made. But anyway I think it turned out very well. My roommate helped me and to tell ya the truth it would have been tough without him. Here are some pics for ya guys.     | ||
| Chadr81 |
Looks really good. You did a nice job! Did you do it with the header off the bike, or with it still on? How long did it all take you? | ||
| Buellsruell |
Looks good! From what I've read, wetting it really helps keep the fibers down. Did you do that? Also- are you going to spray it with silicone? I plan on doing this soon to my 06 xb9sx, and I itch just LOOKING at fiberglass! In fact, I once ran out of a carnival screaming because I saw a kid eating some pink cotton candy and it traumatized me... ;-p I will be wetting mine AND using a fan (outdoors) to help prevent any fibers from penetrating my pores! Long sleeves will be utilized as well. | ||
| Bayou_flyer |
take a shower with hot water to open up your pores and lots and lots of bubbles | ||
| Elgato |
You should read this: http://www.centuryperformance.com/heatwraps.asp | ||
| Hogs |
LOL a cold shower is what you want NOT a Hot Shower... | ||
| Wantxbr |
From what I've read, wetting it really helps keep the fibers down. Did you do that? Actually quit the opposite. The fibers get into your skin more when its wet. And is is a bit messy. Looks good though. Run the bike for a couple of hours before you coat it with the silicon paint. Then let the paint completely dry. It smokes less and not as long. You should read this: http://www.centuryperformance.com/heatwraps.asp A LOAD OF TOWELS? How can he compare a load of towels to two potential layers of heat wrap. If heat doesn't escape then why are my headers completely cooled down long before my engine is? I have used header wrap a lot, on my present bike for three years with the same exhaust and no problem with the header being or getting brittle. I even have a dent in the bottom front tube front me bottoming out in a corner. If my pipe was brittle in any way that would be a hole now but it isn't. Hogs is right you want a cold shower. Next time use some latex gloves to protect your hands. scrub brush doesn't hurt either. Don't know why people think it looks ugly, I love the look. You did a good job on the wrap spacing also. | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
Gee imagine that....a ceramic coating manufacturer bad mouthing header wraps. Elgato.....There has never been a report of a failed header on an XB because of header wrap period. Not a single first hand report. they are stainless steel instead of mild steel like used in automobiles. The header wrap keeps you a lot cooler on the bike and prevents you from melting things to it. It would be a good idea to coat that with some wrap paint....I got it at advanced auto cheap......Your gonna be surprised how quick that black color is gonna bleed out. Looks good. | ||
| Manimal |
Thanks for the advice i'll probably go get that paint today. No i didnt wet it down when i put it on. I took about an hour or so. But i had some help. I would definetly recommend some help when doing this. I had a 50 foot roll and you almost need someone to pull the excess around the pipe and to hold the wrap down while i tighten the fasteners down. I did this with the pipe still on my bike. Also i would recommend that you wear long sleeves and jeans when doing this. I wore shorts and a t-shirt. | ||
| Manimal |
Oh i almost forgot. What kind of paint should i get. You guys said silicon paint? Brand name of paint? | ||
| Altima02 |
COLD SHOWER! | ||
| Buellsruell |
WORD on the "cold shower" (not HOT!). You want to CLOSE the pores so the fibers rinse off- not OPEN them so the fibers get in...  Baby powder can help to close the pores as well. I've spread it all over my face and lower arms when insulating and it definately helps. | ||
| Buellsruell |
"Actually quite the opposite. The fibers get into your skin more when its wet." ===== How's that?? Wetting it will help REDUCE the fibers from becoming airborn, thus reducing the chance they will land on your epidermis ;) Hey- I have no experience with doing this (yet), but I will soon. It's DEFINATELY the "popular" opinion on this board to wet the wrap first. ;) http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/263838.html Can someone tell a nOOb where to go to get the best wrap for my XB9? A sponsor?? Also- can i get BLACK (not "graphite")?? TIA- (Message edited by buellsruell on July 21, 2007) | ||
| Steelworker |
the wrap company should have there own paint | ||
| Cgocifer |
Due to the trapping of heat and not allowing the stainless steel pipe to dissipate the heat, this could happen. Not saying that it will, but it could. Just something to keep in mind.  | ||
| Blake |
Looks killer! I never painted mine. No problems going on five years now. | ||
| Wantxbr |
"Actually quite the opposite. The fibers get into your skin more when its wet." How's that?? Wetting it will help REDUCE the fibers from becoming airborn, thus reducing the chance they will land on your epidermis ;) Just speaking from experience. My skin was more irritated when I wet the wrap than when I just installed it dry. I use latex gloves now. Much better this way. I think it may have to do with the fibers being broken up more with the water and soaks into your pores easier. I think lol Cgocifer That looks like a stress crack to me but it may just be the picture. | ||
| Gschuette |
I think the wrap looks bad ass. Good job. | ||
| Xb12randy |
Funny you posted that I did mine today. Mine came out pretty good but could be better IMO. I wish I had an extra set of hands as it would have been helpful. I wet mine and it made it allot easier to handle. | ||
| Edstevens |
Manimal Good looking rap job. At the cement plant where I work I have had to come in contact with various fiber materials that leave a lasting impression. I found that a coating of baby oil on all skin either exposed of under clothing will trap the fiber particles and allow them to wash right off in the shower. On hot summer days my right leg feels like it's been in a ronco set-it and forget-it oven. I was wondering if you have gotten a good temp. reduction after the header rap? | ||
| Xb12randy |
It's a HUGE difference. Much more comfortable around town and stop an go traffic now with the wrapped header. I still get the brutal heat coming from the edge of the frame rail and between the seat so a couple of the Special Ops heat blankets are next of the list. | ||
| Buellsruell |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55U2ArzgZf4 |
