DIY Painted OEM Exhaust while On Car

Nordstat · 04-02-2013, 11:58 AM

So I have seen numerous threads debating whether one should remove the stock exhaust can to paint it or if it can be left on the car for prep and paint. What I haven't seen is someone post pics of the process, and so I wanted to share my experience regarding this topic.

I am...well...lazy...and most anything I do mechanically to my car goes wrong. I did, however, want to paint the exhaust on my e90 m3 as the big silver thing behind the nice chrome tips became bothersome to me...not to mention I just installed a JL Motoring Type II diffuser and the cans did not look good with the CF part. I therefore opted for the paint-on-the-car method.

It is a super simple procedure. Take the time to off all areas that may have over spray. I stuffed the cavities between the muffler and body with newspaper, then taped over them (See pics). I also taped off the tips and around the sides of the body.

I prepped the can with bug-and-tar remover, followed by soap and water, and then rinsed with water. After drying, I used the VHT Flame Proof spray paint (matte black), and finished the entire can on the job. I only painted the lower half of the can (up to the lip joining the upper and lower shells of the can), which is all that may be seen without dropping the exhaust. I did not use a primer as the paint should be baked onto the can...time will tell if this is a problem. From what I have read, it shouldn't be. I will update if a problem exists after the next car wash.

Using this method, I got ZERO OVER SPRAY!!! Not even under the car, where only a mechanic would see. I am super happy with the results, and it makes the stock tips look MUCH better.

For anyone still debating this mod, it takes about 3 or 4 hours including prep, the various coats of paint, and curing the paint. A very easy, laid back 3 or 4 hours for sure!

Happy modding!

THE TECH · 04-02-2013, 12:39 PM

Looks good.

RogeM3 · 04-02-2013, 02:28 PM

looks great!

mark896 · 04-02-2013, 03:32 PM

Not bad. I took the catback off and did it as it is very easy but to each his own.

HK8888 · 04-02-2013, 09:28 PM

Sweet!

lmcgrew79 · 04-03-2013, 08:28 AM

Looks much better

scm6079 · 04-03-2013, 10:37 AM

**so** much better.

Great job.

Nordstat · 04-03-2013, 03:09 PM

Thanks guys! If I had seen a thread like this before, I would have done it a LOT sooner. Here's to inspiring the next guy...

mikefromMA · 04-03-2013, 08:18 PM

you have a stronger stomach than I do, nice work!

Detroit M3 · 04-03-2013, 09:46 PM

Nice job dude!

8_is_enough · 04-04-2013, 01:18 AM

thanks for the write up and pics!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordstat

I am...well...lazy...and most anything I do mechanically to my car goes wrong.

this made me laugh...oh man, I know this too well

dagolfpro · 04-04-2013, 02:24 AM

Great job. I've thought about doing the same thing. I had my tips PC but didn't get the cans done. Been debating about what to do. You've inspired me to think about DIY.

yosman8 · 04-04-2013, 05:31 AM

Great post and pics! Job well done too

. Would have done this a while ago had I seen it but the new exhaust comes soon

.

04-02-2013, 11:58 AM	#1
Nordstat Lieutenant 38 Rep 529 Posts Drives: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	DIY Painted OEM Exhaust while On Car So I have seen numerous threads debating whether one should remove the stock exhaust can to paint it or if it can be left on the car for prep and paint. What I haven't seen is someone post pics of the process, and so I wanted to share my experience regarding this topic. I am...well...lazy...and most anything I do mechanically to my car goes wrong. I did, however, want to paint the exhaust on my e90 m3 as the big silver thing behind the nice chrome tips became bothersome to me...not to mention I just installed a JL Motoring Type II diffuser and the cans did not look good with the CF part. I therefore opted for the paint-on-the-car method. It is a super simple procedure. Take the time to off all areas that may have over spray. I stuffed the cavities between the muffler and body with newspaper, then taped over them (See pics). I also taped off the tips and around the sides of the body. I prepped the can with bug-and-tar remover, followed by soap and water, and then rinsed with water. After drying, I used the VHT Flame Proof spray paint (matte black), and finished the entire can on the job. I only painted the lower half of the can (up to the lip joining the upper and lower shells of the can), which is all that may be seen without dropping the exhaust. I did not use a primer as the paint should be baked onto the can...time will tell if this is a problem. From what I have read, it shouldn't be. I will update if a problem exists after the next car wash. Using this method, I got ZERO OVER SPRAY!!! Not even under the car, where only a mechanic would see. I am super happy with the results, and it makes the stock tips look MUCH better. For anyone still debating this mod, it takes about 3 or 4 hours including prep, the various coats of paint, and curing the paint. A very easy, laid back 3 or 4 hours for sure! Happy modding! Attached Images __________________ 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S - FOR SALE 2010 BMW M3 (e90) - SOLD 2005 Corvette C6 - SOLD Last edited by Nordstat; 04-02-2013 at 12:20 PM..
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04-02-2013, 12:39 PM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Looks good.
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04-02-2013, 02:28 PM	#3
RogeM3 Ultrasiete 16 Rep 280 Posts Drives: BMW E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (0)	looks great!
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04-02-2013, 03:32 PM	#4
mark896 Warrant Officer 42 Rep 459 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335is Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Not bad. I took the catback off and did it as it is very easy but to each his own.
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04-02-2013, 09:28 PM	#5
HK8888 Captain 24 Rep 926 Posts Drives: '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 Coupe [10.00]	Sweet!
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04-03-2013, 08:28 AM	#6
lmcgrew79 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 48 Posts Drives: X5M, E92 M3, E46M, 550i, Viper Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Hurricane, WV iTrader: (0)	Looks much better
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04-03-2013, 10:37 AM	#7
scm6079 First Lieutenant 118 Rep 390 Posts Drives: '16 M3, Lotus Exige S260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 Lotus Exige S260 [8.50]	so much better. Great job.
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04-03-2013, 03:09 PM	#8
Nordstat Lieutenant 38 Rep 529 Posts Drives: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys! If I had seen a thread like this before, I would have done it a LOT sooner. Here's to inspiring the next guy... __________________ 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S - FOR SALE 2010 BMW M3 (e90) - SOLD 2005 Corvette C6 - SOLD
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04-03-2013, 08:18 PM	#9
mikefromMA First Lieutenant 36 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2017 m4 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: MA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2017 BMW m4 [0.00] 2015 428 [0.00]	you have a stronger stomach than I do, nice work!
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04-03-2013, 09:46 PM	#10
Detroit M3 Major 31 Rep 982 Posts Drives: Murdered E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bloomfield Hills iTrader: (0)	Nice job dude! __________________ E92. ModeCarbon. iND. eisenmann. ACM Test Pipe. BPM Sport. KW.
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04-04-2013, 02:24 AM	#12
dagolfpro Colonel 248 Rep 2,271 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (9)	Great job. I've thought about doing the same thing. I had my tips PC but didn't get the cans done. Been debating about what to do. You've inspired me to think about DIY. __________________ 2011.75 E90 AW \| DCT \| ZCP \| ZCV \| ZCW \| ZP2 \| Prem Sound \| Moonroof \| BMW Apps \| Mods List: Evolve Exhaust \| M Perf Steering Wheel \| Tint \| Lux \| Hardwired V1 \| KW V3 \| Volshlag CP \| Brembo BBK \| BBS FI \| Yokohama AD08 R\| Schroth 4 Point Harness \| Challenge GT Diffuser \| OEM GTS Wing\| GTS Lip\| I lied earlier, I wasn't done with mod, but I swear, I'm done now, no more mods...
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04-04-2013, 05:31 AM	#13
yosman8 First Lieutenant 166 Rep 311 Posts Drives: with no oil Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Los Angeles + Minneapolis iTrader: (0)	Great post and pics! Job well done too . Would have done this a while ago had I seen it but the new exhaust comes soon .
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