1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

[Fritz W.]

I recently bought an original 1957 FI Corvette that has the original right hand undrilled exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, someone drilled a hole in it near where the heat riser tube would be (see picture). Does anyone know of a source that can fill and restore the hole so that it's not noticeable? The date on the manifold matches the car and I sure would like to use it.
Thanks,
Fritz

[Richard M.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Fritz,

Welding the cast iron is tricky but may work for that repair. As long as when it's re-drilled it doesn't do any damage the repair.

Another option may be to drill it out a bit more and size it for a steel sleeve to be pressed in. The ID of the sleeve would need to be the diameter of the carburetor choke tube..... 1/4" if I recall. The top of the sleeve could be dressed flat and a nice coat of high temperature paint and it may not be noticeable. You may need to replace the internal fresh air heat tube in the process too, no matter which repair method.

Rich
p.s. I've done a few "interesting" manifold repairs for my cars in the past. Check this one out.

http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv208/richmz/Misc/3750556%20Exhaust%20Manifold%20Repair/

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Fritz,

Was told years ago that small 1/8" or smaller arc welding rods with flux removed could be driven into the hole. Tapped into the hole leaving a small edge above the manifold and the edge sticking up could then be flatted with a body hammer to totally fill int the hole. Then use a small pnuematic needle scaler to slightly roughen up the surface to make it look like the rest of the exhaust manifold.

A good cast iron welder could puddle fill the hole flush and then use a small pnuematic needle scaler to slightly roughen up the surface to make it look like the rest of the exhaust manifold.

Good luck.

Gary
....

[Fritz W.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Thanks Richard,

I just need to have the existing hole filled and restored to look like it was never there. This manifold does not have a heat riser sleeve nor should it for the fuel injection car.

[Fritz W.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Thanks Gary...that helps a lot. I just need to find someone who's done this kind of work and has experience at it. I suppose I could try it myself on some out manifolds first if I can get a hold of a needle scaler.

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Harbor Freight has needle scalers. Harbor Freight air tools are OK for low use. Don't have any experience with either one of the two needle scalers Harbor Freight lists

http://www.harborfreight.com/compact-air-needle-scaler-96997.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-needle-scaler-1108.html

[Roger G.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

I recently bought an original 1957 FI Corvette that has the original right hand undrilled exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, someone drilled a hole in it near where the heat riser tube would be (see picture). Does anyone know of a source that can fill and restore the hole so that it's not noticeable? The date on the manifold matches the car and I sure would like to use it.
Thanks,
Fritz

Jerry Macneish can fix it

http://z28camaro.com/wp/

[Richard M.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Thanks Richard,

I just need to have the existing hole filled and restored to look like it was never there. This manifold does not have a heat riser sleeve nor should it for the fuel injection car.

Ahhh, then yes you definitely want to have it filled and properly corrected to appear as original. Especially if it's date correct.

Jerry Macneish can fix it
http://z28camaro.com/wp/

.....and I totally agree with Roger, Jerry has some amazing repair results. His before and after photos tell the stories.

Rich

[Fritz W.]

Re: 1957 FI RT Hand Exhaust Manifold Repair

Thanks...I'll give him a call.