Quick guide as to how I got my exhaust tips from slightly brown to nice and shiny.

 

- First, I started off with some tar remover. I used TurtleWax bug and tar remover. This helps remove most of the loose surface crud including, you guessed it, tar.

 

- Second, I used some 00 grade steel wool. It would’ve been a lot easier to do with coarser wool, but I didn’t want to put too deep of a swirl in the metal. For the tougher bits, I wrapped the end of a large flat blade screwdriver with the wool and used it to put some force into it. You’ve got to be careful to keep an eye on the wool wearing though and getting contact  between the blade and the exhaust.

 

- Next, I used 0000 grade ultra fine steel wool to buff out the heavier marks from the 00 wool.

 

- Lastly, I used some metal polish (any brand should work). I applied it with a standard cotton dishcloth (clean, of course) and worked it in for a few minutes. I let it dry to a haze and then buffed with a micro fibre cloth.

 

Before (forgot to take a picture so one is halfway done)

 

After. Note the pitting still left on the side. Not much I can do about that without some serious tools and effort.

 

Nice little write-up Andy. I would mention/recommend a couple of things you could add...

 

You can add a final stage polish with one of the foam cones (fitted on a drill)

Does help improve the final finish and add finishes down nicely with a less coarse polish, say megs NXT Metal.

 

Then - to finish - you can add protection to help maintain the finish produced.

I used to use FK1000P wax, on newer cars i tend to use the ceramic left over from wheels say Gtechniq C5.

 

I hate doing exhausts but this stuff helps!

 

 

You can't beat Autosol IME.   Cheap and effective.