Correct color on exhaust manifolds for 280SL 280SE

[perry113]

I am in the process of restoring my exhaust manifolds on project W111 1970 280SE.

I will sandblast and refinish using Bill Hirsch manifold paint.

My question is what color were they originally. My color choices are black, gray and silver.

Cheers.

PDP

[wwheeler]

Peter,

I too am curious what the correct color is. As a more durable alternative, you might consider ceramic coating the manifolds. I have used exhaust paint in the past and it will eventually begin to degrade and rust through. Ceramic coating should last a lifetime.

[66andBlue]

Hi Peter,
as far as the 280SL color is concerned the answer is right here and I assume it would apply to a 280SE:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6139.0
I have used Dupli-Color® High Heat Paint with Ceramic for the intake and exhaust manifolds- baking it in 3x in a gas grill as recommended - and it holds up very well.