Hooker Super Comp Headers with ceramic powdercoat

[John Hutchin]

Hi,

I bought a set of ceramic powdercoat Hooker super comp headers about a year ago for my 71 GS 455 and they're starting to rust already. This on a car that hasn't seen even a single rainy day since resto completion in August 2006. Anyone else have this problem?

Any suggestions other than proceeding to bash Hooker at every opportunity? I'll have to try to dig up the receipt I guess if I'm to contact Hooker, but even if they're under warranty, the time and effort (or cost) to remove and reinstall them limits my options.

Thx,
Huck

[John Hutchin]

PS - No, I didn't break in the engine with the headers on...it had 30K miles on it since last rebuild

[71stage1conv]

I'm sure they are just using a crapy vendor. I used Process coatings for my stuff.
http://www.processcoatings.com/
Not cheap, but you won't have to do it again... They coat the side pipes for the Cobra's and I have not seen any of them rust.

[John Hutchin]

Thanks Dan,

I called both Hooker and YearOne about the problem. Hooker (Holley) never replied, but YearOne has offered to send me a new set of headers (or help pay to have the old ones recoated). I'm going to take my chances on a new set. At least this time around there won't be any manifold bolts to break off and need drilled out.

Bottom line: YearOne = great service Hooker = terrible service (that is, none, not even the courtesy of a reply)

I'll be going with Hedman for my Mustangs and getting them coated separately. BTW, a coating company in Tennessee told me that Hooker tried to get them to do their coating, but wasn't willing to pay enough to even cover their expenses. YearOne says "We do not have this complaint on every set of Hookers we sell but it is not uncommon." Steer clear of ceramic coated Hooker headers - if you like their headers, get them uncoated and have the coated separately by a reputable company.

[7 skylark 1]

i have the same rust issue with coated hooker super comps on my wifes camaro.