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I've read many success stories on this topic and tried to do it, one time on this pipe, without any luck. I thought I would give it another chance before I tossed it in the trash. What did I have to lose?
The theory is that filling the pipe with water and freezing it will expand and get the dent out. Tried it one time and it didn't even move the dent. So I didn't think it would work for me. Next time, I noticed a small improvement. 3rd time was a charm, surprised me. Totally removed the huge dent. Just fill it, and stand in freezer overnight, and do it again until dent comes out. No need to plug the ends, as the water freezes in the ends first and expands in the center. Big dent and crease gone.
Before


After

Was your header OE or aftermarket? I have heard that the factory headers have a thicker wall and may make it more difficult to use the "freeze" dent removal technique.

I tried the "freeze method" with my factory header a few weeks ago. After 6 cycles (between 18 and 24 hours per cycle), the dent was still there (laughing at me). I flipped it the bird and put it back on as-is...



- Chip

That is the stock Ti headpipe from my 08 450R. It was a fairly big dent with a crease on one side. Came out nearly perfect.

I Noticed when I did mine last year that the ones on the bend of the pipe take a few more times in the freezer.

I've got two leo vince titanium header pipes both dinged, one pretty badly. I've had them in and out of the freezer 4 or so times now and nothing is budging.

I cant stand them upright - freezer is too small - so fill them and cover the ends with a mix of tape and cling film. Have left them in for about 12 hours each time.

Anyone got any alternatives / thoughts. Have wondered whether I shouldnt fill them with something like dried beans and water (to get a bit more expansion - then freeze them. Annoying - I dont want to buy yet another header. Am on my fourth in 12 months.

I have always used heat and air pressure with great success, I made 1 solid rubber plug with an expansion bolt to seal one end and another with an air fitting for the other end, just plug, fill with compressed air, then use a rose bud tip on the oxy-acetylene torch to heat and within seconds, the dent all come out, just don't get it too hot or it will weaken the metal in that spot dramatically, did this for years on the old 2 smoke pipes and a couple times so far with the stock header on my X and a couple R's, works like a charm

what did you use to make the air valve fitting ?

joeschmo1 wrote:what did you use to make the air valve fitting ?

a piece of rubber hose that fits over the end of the pipe, hose clamped to the pipe and hose clamped to a pipe fitting with a 1/4 npt air fitting in it, an automotive shock bushing sandwiched between 2 washers with a nut and bolt through them seals the other end.

It doesn't take much pressure or heat to get the job done, just start slow and low with both so you don't ruin the pipe.

You don't need to plug the ends,read how Nick did it I works and is way lazier.

Danny

Blue Hawaii wrote:slomotobug:

I'm not too smart but can read pictures well. Got any of your set up?

They are at my shop, I'll be there next week and I'll try to remember to get some