72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

**Don L.** · November 26, 2009, 07:09 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Looks nice Edward. How did the installation go?

**Gene M.** · November 26, 2009, 07:59 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

2" pipes look nice

Are the muffler clamps on the tips part of the kit?
They are too long, incorrect, no, ........ shouldn't they be 5/16 thread & gillotine style?

**Thomas G.** · November 26, 2009, 09:19 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Gene,

You are correct that the original clamps used a 5/16" ubolt. We could certainly provide a 5/16" ubolt but the holes in the clamp are cut for 3/8". We also like the additional clamping force the 3/8" clamp provides.
I think you will find that the ncrs judging guidelines calls for an open faced clamp for the tips to the mufflers. With that being said we have original clamps off of a couple of original cars and they had a round bottom style to one and the other was an open faced clamp. I would like to hear from others but at this point we feel that there was really no rhyme or reason to the clamps at this location.
I didn't mean to hijack this thread but we would like to chime in on the resarch we have done and also find out what others with original exhaust systems have to offer on this subject.

PS. Nice Restoration Ed

Best Regards,

Eric Gardner

**Edward J.** · November 27, 2009, 08:21 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Don, all went well with the install,pipes lined up well, ive just got to weld the pipe to the mufflers in the rear.

**Chuck S.** · November 27, 2009, 08:52 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Originally posted by Thomas Gardner (2083)

I would like to hear from others but at this point we feel that there was really no rhyme or reason to the clamps at this location...I didn't mean to hijack this thread but we would like to chime in on the resarch we have done and also find out what others with original exhaust systems have to offer on this subject...

Original open clamps are configured differently in a subtle, but obvious way. At least for 70...72 clamps could be different.

For 70 clamps, each open side has a short tab that closes the open end near the clamp bottom making it slightly wider at the bottom. It's almost as if the clamp bottom was deep formed in a press, and the front/rear sides with the semi-circular round holes folded up to make the open sides. Original 70 clamps are stamped with "M", and I think that may be true for clamps of the same configuration used other years as well.

The U-bolt portion is flattened at the bottom of the U where it fits the pipe; it's hard to tell in the photo, but it appears you have some flattening in the 3/8 bolt. And, yes, orignal U-bolts are 5/16" and appear to be an undersized, poor fit to the clamp holes...but that's the way the General made them.

Paragon has a reproduction that is very close to original; I can't remember for sure if the U-bolts are flattened, but I think they are. I think they may be made of stainless...not a problem for me, but stainless is also a guaranteed deduct. Pick your deduction poison.

**Jeremy D.** · November 27, 2009, 11:00 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Originally posted by Edward Johnson (49497)

Don, all went well with the install,pipes lined up well, ive just got to weld the pipe to the mufflers in the rear.

That's great to hear. I've got a complete Gardner system for my '71 that if all goes well, I may install sometime this winter....and yes, Paragon does make a pretty close repro of those clamps.

**Gene M.** · November 27, 2009, 11:31 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Originally posted by Chuck Sangerhausen (20817)

Original open clamps are configured differently in a subtle, but obvious way. At least for 70...72 clamps could be different.

For 70 clamps, each open side has a short tab that closes the open end near the clamp bottom making it slightly wider at the bottom. It's almost as if the clamp bottom was deep formed in a press, and the front/rear sides with the semi-circular round holes folded up to make the open sides. Original 70 clamps are stamped with "M", and I think that may be true for clamps of the same configuration used other years as well.

The U-bolt portion is flattened at the bottom of the U where it fits the pipe; it's hard to tell in the photo, but it appears you have some flattening in the 3/8 bolt. And, yes, orignal U-bolts are 5/16" and appear to be an undersized, poor fit to the clamp holes...but that's the way the General made them.

Yes, Chuck I think you labeled them well. And they go back to model year 68 with that style clamp at the tips.

**Steven G.** · November 27, 2009, 11:42 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

I see the flattened front pipes but not in the rear under diff., unlike an original that I removed from a c-3 ?? Steve

**Edward J.** · November 27, 2009, 12:12 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Steve, theres been alot of talk on the pipes being flatten at the rear diff. area, consensus is that there were not on the small block base motor, Ive seen rear pipes on a 71,72 bow tie cars that are not. there may be a slight flatting when bending the pipes from the factory.

**Jeff A.** · November 27, 2009, 12:47 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

I just received a complete Gardner system for my 67 Camaro 396.

Planning to install the system myself - sometime next week.
I have to say it was really a pleasure dealing with Eric.

Everything is packaged wonderfully, and all parts are labeled so a child could fit this thing together.
After looking at the pieces - I am not as worried about doing this myself as I was initially.

I hope I feel the same way after the install

Only one concern ...
what do you guys think of the rolled seams on the edges of this muffler - is this typical?
It seems a little sloppy but I wasn't sure what to expect.
Is this normal - or should the rolls be uniform and smooth?

Yes - I know it is only a Camaro?

Attached Files

**Jeff A.** · November 27, 2009, 08:21 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Just wanted to be sure the rolled seams are supposed to look that way.

If that is how they were made for GM in 1967, then that is what I want.

I was just a little surprised to see the ripples and jagged metal pieces sticking out.

**Gary J.** · November 28, 2009, 05:54 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Ed, your car is looking great, its time for its' 1st Flight exerience, I see that Top Flight ribbon headed for your throphy room. Great work. Gary

**Bill C.** · November 28, 2009, 09:12 AM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

The over whelming majority of the clamps I have seen on original cars have had the tab bent up on the bottom section. There was recently an artical on the 72 ZR-1 and one of the detail pictures shows the exhaust tip clamped using this style.

The only thing I don't like with the current reproduction from Paragon (this may be the same for real originals too) is how it ovals the exit pipe and tip when clamped down. It looks like the design of the 5/16 "U" clamp does not form a perfect circle.

**Robert P.** · November 28, 2009, 08:06 PM

Re: 72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

Ed, Could you tell me what the clearance is between the tire and the muffler. I purchased a welded set from Paragon ( Allen's muffler) The tire clearance ended up to 1/2 to 3/4 in. Thanks Bob

72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

72 Small Block Gardner Exhaust System Pictures

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