Tri-Y Headers - Rustproof Your Headers

The easiest way to heat the header tubes is with a torch. Chris Hargett uses a rosebud tip to put a gentle flame to the metal.

The trick is getting the headers to the right temp. They should be heated until they are beginning to turn blue, but not orange or glowing. Just enough to open up the pores.

Eddie hargett applies ATF fluid to the heated headers. If the metal is hot enough the fluid should smoke quite dramatically, as you see here. The fluid is applied by dipping a clean shop rag into a bucket of ATF and wiping it onto the headers liberally. Because the headers and the fluid get quite hot, protective equipment, including heavyweight welder's gloves and welder's jacket, should be considered a must.

Be aware that sometimes the ATF fluid can also flame up. The flames don't last long, but this is why a good pair of heavy gloves is mandatory.

Chris Hargett recommends two applications back-to-back. This means that after the first coat of ATF has been applied, he immediately hits the section of header with the torch again. This helps re-heat and "burn in" the ATF before the second coat. After the second application of ATF, there is no need for the torch a third time. Just let it drip dry until cool and then wipe it clean.

After the components have cooled enough that they can be comfortably touched, Turner wipes them clean with a rag and reassembles with new fastener hardware.

Although most of the header components were a year old, Hargett did have two new sections. On the left is a section of header tubing that has gone though the rust-proofing process. On the right is a section of still-virgin metal. You can see the bluing of the treated section from the heat and the application of the ATF fluid.

A newly rustproofed set of header tubes ready for installation on the car. These should be good for an entire season of racing.