head bolt flanges rusting

[dwd58]

I have a set of Jardine drrag pipes on my 2005 S83. The flanges that the head bolts tighten down are rusting. Thought about cutting them off and replacing them with new split flanges. Anyone try this and what size split flanges would work? Also thought about header tape but didnt know if I could cover that high on the pipes? Any help appreciated.

[Designer]

When I made my Exhaust 'Mufflers/Pipes" and had them Silver Ceramic-coated, I used a set of Split Flanges to install them. They were Aluminum and I had them Chromed and they worked fine. I do have to be careful about tightening them though. Being aluminum, the bend much easier than the Steel ones do. Hope this helps you.

[dwd58]

Thanks for the tip. Where do you get things chromed ? I was thinking about using these

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325175527655?h ... SwH8xicoeE

[Designer]

Those look pretty Boss!

If they match the ID and the Bolt Centers of the Stock Flanges, I say Go for it.

They do look like they are already chromed. Maybe not the best of smoothing all the Scratches/Nicks/Machining/etc. but perhaps the chroming is protective?

[hillsy v2]

If the bolts on those things get in the way you might be better off with something like this

[dwd58]

Those look nice. You got a link for those?

[Designer]

I'd be a bit wary of those. They look just like the Aluminum ones that I have, but are thinner (read, more prone to bending).

Here's some Steel ones that have a pretty Boss Style to them;

https://www.carid.com/walker/steel-bare ... 31884.html

Being that it is from Walker, I bet they have several different sized, too.

[hillsy v2]

Those look nice. You got a link for those?

They are for a 4 cylinder engine - so they specifically would probably be too small a diameter for this application. It was more about the style of collet as opposed to the exact one.

Anyway - here's the link - maybe they might have other sizes?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125131848546 ... olid=10050

[dwd58]

Thanks guys !

[Designer]

Thanks guys !

Did you ever get the Split flanges you needed?

[dwd58]

No not yet, holding out for a new or slightly used set of Jardine Drag pipes to replace the whole combo. Harley drag pipes are so cheap now on ebay. Some are under $100 a set. Is there no way we can modify them to fit a 1400 ?

[Designer]

No not yet, holding out for a new or slightly used set of Jardine Drag pipes to replace the whole combo. Harley drag pipes are so cheap now on ebay. Some are under $100 a set. Is there no way we can modify them to fit a 1400 ?

I suppose it could be done. To be frank, I can't imagine all the work needed to make Harley Pipes fit correctly onto a 1400 would be worth the Time, Effort and Money.

[dwd58]

[dwd58]

[dwd58]

Sorry it took so long but here is how I fixed the problem or at least covered it up. See the above two pictures. First, I sanded down the flanges with 0000 steel wool, then I took some chrome paint from Lowes and sprayed the flanges and an inch of the pipes. Then I took DEI Titanium black exhaust wrap and wrapped them good all the way down to the curve in the Jardine Drag pipes.. I then put three coats of DEI black heat spray coating on the heat wrap being careful to get it only on the wrap. I then put stainless steel ties on both ends of the heat wrap. Wanting to tie the wrap down even more secure, I put half inch wide clamps on the very ends of the heat wrap. It was quite a job but I think it came out nice. I don't think the carbs will have to be re-jetted, but not sure yet.

[Designer]

Nice work there!

Twas worth the wait, eh?

[dwd58]

yes, I guess it was ! I just wish there was more aftermarket stuff for our bikes.

[Designer]

yes, I guess it was !

Sure as heck WAS,....Bra-VO!

..........I just wish there was more aftermarket stuff for our bikes.

Once upon a time,...in a Galaxy Far, Far away,..( a little "Star Wars Intro there) .........THERE WAS!

Have you checked out anything from ThunderBike and LMC in Germany? I got some REALLY wicked stuff from them from my Chopperzzzz;

viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1193&start=119

viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1193&start=125

[dwd58]

hey thanks, will check them out!