OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

[Ian G.]

I'm getting ready to remove the exhaust from my 59, sine it isn't original (missing crossover pipe and no round mufflers) and I was wondering if I should leave the exhaust on until I'm ready to actually replace it? I was just going to take it off, to make it easier to clean and prep the underside of the car and then replace the exhaust later, maybe a few months maybe a couple years -- I don't have a good gauge yet how long this will ultimately take to restore :P
I won' run the car like that obviously... So assuming it is cool to remove the exhaust, should I cover the bottoms of the exhaust manifolds?

I'm not very experienced working on cars, so sorry if this is a dumb question.

~ian

[Joe L.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

I'm getting ready to remove the exhaust from my 59, sine it isn't original (missing crossover pipe and no round mufflers) and I was wondering if I should leave the exhaust on until I'm ready to actually replace it? I was just going to take it off, to make it easier to clean and prep the underside of the car and then replace the exhaust later, maybe a few months maybe a couple years -- I don't have a good gauge yet how long this will ultimately take to restore :P
I won' run the car like that obviously... So assuming it is cool to remove the exhaust, should I cover the bottoms of the exhaust manifolds?

I'm not very experienced working on cars, so sorry if this is a dumb question.

~ian

ian-----


There's no problem to removing and storing the exhaust. It may corrode further while in storage but at no faster rate than if it was installed on the car.

It's not absolutely necessary to cover the exhaust outlet on the manifolds, but I would do it anyway just to keep general debris out. It's very easy to do with some cardboard and tape or wire.

[Ian G.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

Thanks Joe, I'm planning to chuck the exhaust and get new repop.

Do you think I should get carbon steel from Corvette Central or just take the deduct and get aluminized? I want to strike a balance between having the car look nice, top flight and be able to enjoy the car and drive it without it becoming a trailor queen...

~ian

[Paul J.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

ian:

You are right, removing the exhaust will give you much better access to the underside of the car. I agree with Joe that it's not going to hurt anything. I would'nt bother covering the open manifold ends, but if if you wish to do so you can also partially stuff rags in them.

Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

Thanks Joe, I'm planning to chuck the exhaust and get new repop.

Do you think I should get carbon steel from Corvette Central or just take the deduct and get aluminized? I want to strike a balance between having the car look nice, top flight and be able to enjoy the car and drive it without it becoming a trailor queen...

~ian

Ian-----


I would at least go with the aluminized system. Personally, I would never even consider using a plain, carbon steel system.

[Ian G.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

That's what I was thinking. It will mostly be painted over black anyway...

[Bruce B.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

Concerning aluminized versus steel.
I replaced the exhaust system on my 340 HP 62 Corvette about 16 years ago. I had some NOS steel front pipes (with crossover) and the rest of the system was new aluminized pipes.
Today after about 22,000 miles the front pipes are all pitted with surface rust and the rest of the exhaust system looks like new including the round mufflers. I will admit I do clean them with chrome cleaner from time to time.
Go with the aluminized syatem and you will love it.

[Dennis C.]

OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

I agree with all the posters. Might add, my son owned a 2 cyl wanna be Harley stored in his garage along with a 50 pound sack of rice. When the mice were done with their mission of storing the rice in the cylinders and mufflers, it took a while to cure. Duct tape is a wonderful thing... Use it early and often... Best, Dennis

[Ian G.]

Re: OK to remove exhaust for a long time?

any advice to tape up the exhaust openings is good advice. I had a rat infestation a few years back and I'm still finding little rat pellets no matter how many times I sweep up in the garage.

thanks guys!