Vaquero, Wrapping Pipes

[Lunatic]

So, I've got it in my head that I'm going to wrap the pipes on my Vaquero.

Any last minute tips or suggestions from those who've done it before?

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

So, I've got it in my head that I'm going to wrap the pipes on my Vaquero.

Any last minute tips or suggestions from those who've done it before?

I just pre-soak the material with water and have someone help me hold the pipes while I wrap tightly or use a wood block holder setup in a bench vise to hold them if I don't have anyone around to help. This gets out all of the slack by stretching the wraps to their limit and plus you can wrap the radii better without getting any wrinkles. You can wrap counter-clockwise or clockwise or do one each way according to your likes since gravity or the magnetic poles of the earth do not affect the direction you choose the way it does if you were to flush a toilet in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. I use one entire piece that way for each pipe. I've even painted or died them to match the bike's colors. Like anything though it's maintenance and upkeep.

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by Comanche

I just pre-soak the material with water and have someone help me hold the pipes while I wrap tightly or use a wood block holder setup in a bench vise to hold them if I don't have anyone around to help. This gets out all of the slack by stretching the wraps to their limit and plus you can wrap the radii better without getting any wrinkles. You can wrap counter-clockwise or clockwise or do one each way according to your likes since gravity or the magnetic poles of the earth do not affect the direction you choose the way it does if you were to flush a toilet in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. I use one entire piece that way for each pipe. I've even painted or died them to match the bike's colors. Like anything though it's maintenance and upkeep.

Thanks for the tips. Doesn't sound like anything that three midgets and a dog can't accomplish...

[Old Bear]

Wrap from the bottom to the top. That way the overlap is on the bottom. Otherwise, you create dozens of "pockets" to catch crud (rain, dirt, whatever) in the overlaps that will eventually work through to end up just laying on the pipes directly. Not good!

You will want to start the bike up outside to dry the wrap! Not only is there going to be a bunch of steam, it stinks to high heaven!

[daddy mac]

The wrap I used did not have to soak in water. It is the lava rock if I remember right. I clamped in vise and wrapped as tight as I could.

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[Comanche]

Originally Posted by daddy mac

The wrap I used did not have to soak in water. It is the lava rock if I remember right. I clamped in vise and wrapped as tight as I could.

Lava Rock's excellent but it is water/chemical resistant and thus no need for the good ole' water presoak method used for regular wraps.

[nnklem]

Fold the ends for a cleaner look.

[davidsheek]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

So, I've got it in my head that I'm going to wrap the pipes on my Vaquero.

Any last minute tips or suggestions from those who've done it before?

This is the one I used. No water no hassel, works great and only $38.

[BigA80]

Yes, yes, and yes +1 on all. I used the wrap David got, heat painted the pipe first, wrap from the bottom to the top tightly about 1" overlap, fold over the ends for cleanliness, and I heat painted the wrap also. I didn't do this but wish I would have but maybe also put some stainless steel washers under the acorn nuts on the exhaust port studs before putting the shields back on. Maybe overkill but it is much better.

[cruiser900]

Be sure to wear gloves, the tiny little pieces of glass insulation can really tear into your fingers. Wrap as tight as possible, buy way more than you think you need, overlap and re-wrap the other direction. You can put your hand on this and not burn yourself. It's like the heat tiles used on the space shuttle for re-entry. I used stainless aircraft locking wire to hold the ends in place.