1961 Exhaust System questions

[Jerry A.]

I am planning to install a complete exhaust system on my 61'. I purchased a complete system for a hi performance engine with off road mufflers and the crossover pipe from Allens.Never done a system before and I do have a drive on lift. Can you please advise any tricks/methods in getting the old system off as it's been on several years? Also will appreciate any tips/methods on installing the new system with the crossover pipe. I've been told that the crossover pipe is cemented on with a muffler cement rather than clamped???
Any helpwill be much appreciated!
Jerry

[Michael L.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Jerry, on the removal of the old system, as long as you are saving nothing, my choice is a Sawsall with metal blades.Wear eye protection and cut it up in smaller pieces and toss...

[Terry D.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Pretty staight forward, no real tricks. Hardest part is getting the clamps just right so system does not rattle against the frame. Takes a little time but not rocket science.
Terry

[Gary C.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Jerry, before clamping permanently, use wood scraps such as 1/2 or 1/4 inch plywood on the places where they exhaust pipes go through the frame or next to it as pointed out in previous post - to make sure it doesn't rattle. Gary....

[Ray C.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Jerry,

I always leave all exhaust components loose until I have everything aligned the way I like it and the snug up clamps and brackets. If is is still aligned correctly after snugging the fasteners, then tighten.

I have also used an air chisel to loosen the exhaust system at the joints.

Ray

[Edward Boyd]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

It has been a long while since I did my '61, but I seem to remember having to jack up the chassis to fit the exhaust pipe over the rear axle on the passenger side. This is not a problem if you are using something other than a wheel lift or a pit.

[Ray C.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Since no one has addressed this point; I believe that the crossover pipe is clamped to the main pipes, at least that is the way I install the exhaust on my 270 HP. You can find a drawing in SECT 579, Sheet 6.00 AIM showing the use of clamps and there is also a picture in Noland Adams C-1 book showing clamps.

Ray

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1961 Exhaust System questions

Permatex sells some exhaust system sealant/goop/cement. I used it on the crossover pipe where the AIM indicates. Not sure if I needed to. Then seeing that I had it in hand and was never going to do another exhaust system in my life, I used it on all the joints.

I tried for hours to get my system installed so it wouldn't rattle. I hate rattles. I'd do one part, then move back to do another, and find the first part moved. Spent hours trying to get it right before I crimped the pipes with the clamps. Never satisfied myself. So I put it together half-tight and drove to a muffler place that was sympathetic to Corvettes. Glad I brought a book. Guy spent 2+ hours aligning that system. Lots of running back and forth. Many temporary supports were used. This job couldn't be done without a lift. System doesn't leak or rattle 4 years later.

I put extra clamps on where the front header pipes mate with the extensions. The AIM has the hanger doing the clamping. But I thought that junction could use some more crimping.