hey joka, your pipe looked so sweet, i took a run at mine last night while listening to the supercross on sxgp.com
i think if i had to do it again, i would sandblast. i used paint stripper and elbow grease. let's just say by the main event at mid-night, i'm not sure if the fumes got to me or the alcohol i was pounding back...but all was good. By 1:30am I had most of the paint off and this morning it looks good. a few minor areas to clean-up, gotta get a small wire brush or something to do along the seams.
i too bought that dupli-coat high heat clear. i'm gonna give her a spray with that, hopefully it'll help keep the rust away. Are you planning on covering it with a clear coat?
later, thanks again for the pics, it took away my uncertainty!!!