Oh I believe it, I just don't understand why it does. I am anxious to see the results.
For paint, you might want yo try looking up John Deer high temp exhaust paint.
It comes in a rattle can. I have never tried it but I do know tractor exhaust pipe can get mighty hot.

 

I also heard that JohnDeer muffler paint was awesome. I got a JD place just over the hill from my house. Guess what, they dont have it. haha. When you first get it done it looks great. But after a couple of track days the black starts to lighten up to a dark gray. And eventually needs done again.

 

I personally like the look of a black pipe (no pun intended). But I really like the look of raw unfinished metal. If there was a way for me the heat my pipe cherry red and dip in hot oil that would be awesome. I wouldnt rust and it would look great! Like case hardened six shooter frames.

 

well no luck guys, i checked the headers and they still showed just a few more rust pits in there so i decided to leave it in till next weekend
just keeping you guys in the loop

 

holy crap I never updated this!! but....with good reason: I never got to paint it. every time I checked there was alway a little bit of rust somewhere in one of the crevices where the 4 pipes converge. So....I did other things while I waited and kinda forgot about it in the process. just left it in there for a few months.
today I pulled them out of the molasses mix and poured boiling water inside and out. the molasses melted away without leaving much residue and no (or very little) flash rust was my result. I scrubbed it down with some grill wire brush, primed and painted it and it looks awesome (compared to before) I still got a few dents because let's face it: it IS a 20+ year old bike...
I hope this inspire everyone!

 

Outstanding. Thanks for the update. I looks really good!