C2 under car Exhaust install

[Pete Pritchett]

I am doing a body off restoration of a 65 327/350hp. I attemped to install the front pipe to the exhaust manifold and the back pipe, but could not get the front pipe to go into the back pipe far enough for the muffler to line up properly with the muffler hanger at the rear of the car.

I had the front pipe and my son had the back pipe and together our pushing twisting could not get the front pipe to go into the back pipe far enough. Are there any tricks to getting them to go together easier and to line up properly with the exhaust manifold and the rear muffler hanger?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Pete------

First, I would use an exhaust pipe "expander" tool as manufactured by Lisle Tools and others in the bell joint section of the rear pipe (i.e. the female joint at the front of the rear pipe). If this section is deformed IN ANY WAY AT ALL, the fitment of the front pipe into it will be difficult and problematic. The tool will ensure that this section is completely round and at full diameter for a full 360 degrees. These tools are sold at Sears and many other auto parts stores for about $25.

Next, I would use some anti-sieze compound on the full area of the joint between the front and rear pipes. This will "lubricate" and allow rotation of the pipes which will be necessary for final pipe adjustment.

[Dave F.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Pete,

I and a friend just finished this same thing today on my '68 L79. What Joe said about using the anti-sieze compound is dead on-target. Even with using that, it took about 30 minutes worth of twisting, rocking up and down, and making up a few new four letter words ;-). It was amazing how the driver's side went in so easy, but the passenger's side was the bear. Having the tool to expand the inlet of the rear pipe would have made the job go more quickly, but we got it done without it somehow. I know I would have gladly given the $25 for one when we were in the middle of it, and hope to remember to buy one if ever I do this again.

Dave

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Pete,
Although $25 is a cheap way to solve a problem, you can purchase the pipe expander at Harbor Freight for about half that amount.

Remember your ground wires when you install the front clamps. And remember that the star lock washer goes between the ground connector and the frame. (Not under the head of the bolt).

Good luck with your restoration.

Gene

[Dave F.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Gene! I sure forgot the ground ! Thanks for posting this. Back to garage for me! Dave

[Justin N.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Dear Members,
Just a thought. Does there need to be removal of paint or coating to have a good ground? My sandblaster/coater says he has plugs for holes in frame to prevent filling them and bad grounds. Does this sound right?

Justin #41362

[Dave F.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Justin,

Yes, you want to get to clean, bare metal. I use a diectric grease to prevent corrosion, which most parts stores sell in a small tube. Apply to both surfaces.

Dave

[Pete Pritchett]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Thanks everybody for your responses. I will be on the way to get a pipe expander and some anti-seize lube before I tackle it again. And I forgot about the grounding straps.
As always I appreciate all the good information.

[William C.]

Re: C2 under car Exhaust install

Actually, the purpose of the star washer is to break thru the factory paint. I don't know that it will do the job on some of the paint products used in today's "restorations"