bhk2

To remove my gas tank, I need to cut one side of the exhaust pipe. It is one long pipe and I know where to cut, but it is the reconnecting part of the job puzzling me.

Since I have no welding equip nor experience, I thought about using the Walker Exhaust 33978 - Walker Mega Clamp to re attach pipe.

I am thinking there needs to be a short splice and then connect the clamp, but don't know for sure. Anyone tried this approach?

1969 350 4 speed.

0Willcox Corvette

The Walker Mega Clamp should hold fine. Some late model muffler kits come with these same clamps as a means of connecting the new muffler to the exhaust system.

bhk2

Thanks, I'll order the clamp and not worry about extra pieces to finish the job.

Ray Y

A stainless steel "butt to butt" band clamp is another option that will also work fine. Check Jegs.

donnie1956

Coupling joint can be bought at most auto parts stores. Just go the the exhaust section and you will find it and the clamps. Cheap fix.

scottyp99

If you can't just remove the piece that's in the way, it must be some kind of custom, one piece, welded together system. Sure is a shame to have to cut it. Are you sure you can't just unbolt it and at least move it a little to get the clearance you need? At the very least, put some thought into where you cut it, for ease of re-assembly and possible future clearance issues.


Scott

bhk2

I unbolted the support holding the muffler and that dropped the exhaust about 1.5 inches. Second, unbolted the support after the transmission xmember-- down about another inch. Didn't see any other supports to unbolt, but will take one more look before cutting into pipe. Looks like I wil need to drop about 4 more inches to clear the gas tank-- it is completely free now only obstructed by the muffler.

My concern is after cutting the pipe and then reattaching with collar--even with a fiberglass prewrap, will create an undersireable exhaust leak. Still thinking a short splice, fiber pre wrap, then bolted collar to give me best outcome without a welder.

scottyp99

Is there a welded-in H-pipe, or anything like that, that connects the two sides? If not, unbolt the exhaust from the header, maybe you can twist it enough to get the clearance.


Scott

ctroadster

after you cut the pipe and r&r the tank, put the walker clamp on the pipe temporarly and then drive it to the muffler shop and have them weld it back together. I think thats what I will be doing when I do this project

noonie

No need to stress over this.
It's a 15 minute job.
Cut the pipes behind the xmember with a sawzall, scratch or grind orientation marks thru the cut line (no need if the rear has an h or x pipe joining), wrap fiberglass under the band and tighten. Use lots of antiseize on the bolt threads.

These have been on for years and the exhaust dropped a bunch of times and they don't leak or move. Pipes are as if they are one piece.

MalibuVLX

I understand from the Power Block folks that the new style clamps are way better that the old style u clamp because you can still remove and re install that type because it does not leave an indention. If you can't weld it back, the clamp is more than sufficient.

bhk2

Very helpful. I cut as described with an air grinder and kept supported with the bungee. I'll send a finish photo when completed. Thanks!

bhk2

OK, done for now-thanks for the help