Rusty exhaust--Can it be re-claimed and how?

I bought a 1984 VF1000F parts bike this weekend and a bonus is it came with a 4-1 Vance and Hines 4-2 FULL system.

BUT

As it originally was painted with Kalgard black over the rolled steel construction (of the day) this has LONG AGO come off and exposed the pipes to water /rusting. I LOOKS as if it has NEVER been repainted and currently it is severely pitted and rusted.

What are options for saving this system?

Bead blasting to a smooth finish (is that even a possibility) and then repainting.

Or blasting and then layering on the paint with Many Coats in an effort to fill in the rust "pits"??

I'd like to save this period piece but do have my doubts as to the ability to do so or if it is even worth the efforts?

PLease jump in and make suggestions.

Thank you

Ricardo

 

Check out the possibility of having a ceramic coating put on them.

 

Yep. If you think it has enough material to be blasted, then have it ceramic coated. Pits be damned, it will be sealed anD look just fine.

Most high heat paints recommend against heavy repeated coats.