What can I do about my rusty exhaust collector?

This question has been nagging at me for a while now. My exhaust is in generally very good condition but the collector box is by far the most rusty thing on my bike. It looks like given some more time it will start falling apart. Anyone have ideas for stopping this in its tracks or rehabbing the collector?

 

Get a wire wheel on a drill, take the collector off the bike, and take it back to bare metal. Get any holes welded up and then re-paint it.

 

I would be careful going at it with a wheel. It doesn't look too bad but you are right that left alone the 'cancer' will get worse.

Before you start the fix assemble everything you will need. Phosphoric acid etcher, a drill with a fine wire brush, or gloves and coarse steel wool, could also use sandpaper, some solid content rust paint (like por-15 high heat paint).

Take it off the bike brush on the phosphoric acid etcher (home stores have it), let it sit for about 30min-rinse it with a hose and repeat this process. The rust will turn black and most of it will simply come off with the rinse and the light abrasion. Once you have it rust and dust free you can paint it.

 

Thanks guys. Some great ideas here.

 

Im not sure if what would happen, but I would be careful of getting the chemicals on the chrome side beauty covers. Those covers are welded directly to the collector.

 

I think that's too far gone. No doubt it will be rusting from the inside out. Time for a new exhaust.