1941-1948 Muffler clamps. Parkerized or Paint?

[theknucklehead]

Can anyone out there tell me what is the "correct" finish for the muffler clamps used from 1941-1948 is. I have seen NOS ones that are parkerized, but the factory photos seem to show gloss black painted ones, along with gloss black muffler and pipes? At several of the AMCA meets I have seen bikes being judged with both finishes???

[Erdos]

I was told in amca judging that the correct finish for my 47 muffler clamps is black paint. and the originals appear to be dipped not sprayed.

[Chris Haynes]

Clamps were painted black.

[theknucklehead]

Thank you! I will paint them black. I purchased a muffler clamp that was still in the military packaging with cosmoline and it was parkerized. Were military bikes different? or is that the way they stored parts for later use.

[Chris Haynes]

I see Parkerized clamps on some military models. But these are the small diameter mufflers not the fatties used on the 1941-1946 Big Twins.
Another thing to consider is that replacement parts could well be made at a different time than production parts. Many replacement parts differ greatly from production parts.

[theknucklehead]

Thanks Chris!

[Carl Olsen]

Chrome them!

[theknucklehead]

Chrome is what I took off!!! They'll be for sale on e-bay if you are interested.
Seriously, what paint is heat proof and gloss black for the muffler. All of the VHT heat or flame proof paint is flat black?

[exeric]

I was looking at one of Chris Haynes 1948FL photos and indeed, the muffler, clamps, and header pipes are a glossy black. Can anyone recommend a high heat gloss black?

[bmh]

I've used a spray can enamel made for engine blocks with good results on cylinders and exhaust clamps. I use the 350 degree stuff but they make a 500 degree also, it's just a lot harder to find. I would use the 500 for a muffler most likely, but the clamps do fine with the 350. I think most folks overestimate the running temps of some of these things, remember aluminum melts at around 1220 degrees so the exhaust ports on a panhead would colapse if temps aproached that for any period of time. The only thing that might need 1000 degree protection might be the head pipes. Where's that guy from the other post with the IR gun?

[bodnarjw]

I just took an IR reading of my exhaust. Temp on the exhaust pipe as it exits the head is about 750 degrees F. I use Krylon Satin BBQ Grill paint.

[bmh]

Thanks, thats useful info. If ya could, check the muffler. That would be good to know also. I've just recently found that rustoleum offers some interesting high temp paints through industrial suppliers like Grainger. Probabally can't buy it here though.