The old fishtail on my exhaust look rather shabby and rusty so thought I would make an attempt to improve the appearance. The electric drill with an wire brush came to mind, but first off I tried some wire wool and Brasso. Within a minute or less a lovely copper shine started to come through! Job done now, lovely shiny copper tailpipe and fishtail
I knew the 2 inch pipe leading to the fishtail should have been copper but had'nt known the fishtail should be also, a nice little surprise! Was copper used simply for its anti rust properties? I can think of no other reason, apart from it looks good also!

Copper was considered to give a superior exhaust note. Be careful now it's exposed though. The price of copper is such that it may well get stolen!

STEVE

Oh my goodness! thats exactly what my Son said to me earlier.

I had seen those big Bentleys equiped with copper exhausts, I now understand why.

Birdman,

I am fairly sure copper is no longer allowed to be used for exhaust pipes / manifolds as it catalyses the reaction to give nitrogen monoxide or nitrogen dioxide, cant remember which. You probably wont have any issue with the law with it on a vintage car but i wouldnt polish it prior to an MOT just in case!

Regards

Rob

Any ex serviceman from the good old days knows all about wire wool and brasso especially former Corporal Vince Leek!