i just installed my alphawerks header and my question is how do i remove finger prints that are etched into the metal. I know that the steel changes colors due to the heat but how do it remove the prints. i should of wiped it down before starting the car I think its because of the oils from my skin that caused this

 

Maybe try some rubbing alcohol?

 

i try rubbing alcohol. brasso brand metal polish and i even tried toothpaste. the toothpasted cleaned the metal the best btw

 

That sucks! I think they may be permanent then because I have fingerprints that will NOT come off of my copper CPU heatsink no matter what I do. Guess I should wear some latex gloves when I install my headers.

 

you should read what bikers use to clean their stainless pipes and remove blue'ing

 

Engifineer where are you??

You could answer this one, because I'd like to know as well.

 

You will have to have it polished out. I'm not talking about using Mother's and a rag either.

 

and that would be....

 

I used to have good luck with Mothers Chrome Mag and Aluminium Polish... I don't know if they even still make the stuff (Dubs haven't been called "Mags" in at least a decade now) but it worked on all kinds of chrome and aluminum. It is just slightly abrasive - not enough to dull a finish, but enough to have a bit of "cut" to it where it takes off the rough bits and brings out the shine. A burned in fingerprint would probably come out.

Not something you just spray on though... you have to buff it.

EDIT: I'm *assuming* the chrome itself isn't oxidized from the heat like in the pics below and that you're just talking about a basic fingerprint

 

I don't know. I'm not a biker LOL. I just know they go through the same stuff. My brother's chopper had the same thing as you can see here.





If I see him in the next few days I'll ask him and let you know what he did to his.

 

Um, hate to tell you guys this, but if you want finger prints removed, you need to do it BEFORE you fire it up. Always clean the stainless steel before you fire it up the first time or they will be permanent.

An old school saying "Remove whatever you don't want permanent"

 

When I was younger working in a garage, the owner would always say if he can look at the steel and see proof who installed it....your fired.

Cleaning it is easy before starting...everything wipes right off with a dry cloth and buffs nice and pretty. But once you start it up...it's there forever. You can try to remove it but you will scratch your header up trying and it will look worse. Either replace it or forget about it IMO.

 

So glad I read this thread I guess the only fix is ceramic coating? lol By the way does that go for after the installation as well? Say youre showing off your ride and you want to touch the headers (not hot) and you drive, will they burn in too? Im thinking yes but I was just curious.

 

Yea, you would be correct. It always makes me angry when at a show and people lean in and for some strange reason, they have to touch things.

 

damnnn it. you are making me sad dad

 

Sorry, I wish I had better news, but I have yet to hear of anything available to actually fix it. Most installation instructions should reference this.

 

there were no instuctions!!!!

 

I wouldn't worry about it. How many miles do you have on it so far?

 

hey i have the same header and i use rubbing alcohol for mine and everything comes out i alos use a microfiber cloth just to be safe so i dont scratch them...

 

maybe try using eagle one's never dull..