Dilemma here for which I think I know the answer if I wanted to do it properly! However, allow me to explain. As with doubtless many others, the exhaust header pipes on the inner bends were pitted and corroded - especially on the inner radii(?) towards the top portion of the header. The rest of the header is in pretty good nick, as is the collector and the silencer.
What I have done so far is this.
Taken an abrasive polycarbide type wheel to remove the surface corrosion and lessen the pits
Took it all back further with 400 wetand dry, then 800, then finish with 1200 to remove any scratches
Bit more with polishing mop and abrasive block
Final finish with T-cut and Autosol.
It's not perfect, but many times better, but of course what I have done in the areas of corrosion is remove the protective chroming - not that there was much there anyways. Appearance wise, not quite the miror finish of the chrome, but again, not too bad. I guess the ideal solution is a rechrome, but its pricey and inconvenient.
Therefore
Anything else I could do to improve the finish?
Anything I can do to protect the now unprotected steel - apart from not ride in the rain! Bearing in mind it does get blinking hot of course - and don't say paint it.