Exhaust System

[Bucolic]

Are the parts for the stock exhaust systems on the A1 and A2 interchangeable? I had a muffler shop replace the entire exhaust system on my A1 except for the header pipe which was left stock because they didn't have the correct size pipe. They welded onto the stock header pipe and proceeded to install every thing else in a larger size.
Well after about a year, the header pipe broke off from the flange at the exhaust manifold. Rather than paying to have that fixed so it could happen again, I've decided to remove everything and install the correct STOCK parts. Thus my original question, are the A1 and A2 parts interchangeable?

[Fil Bonica]

Yes and no.
The header , muffler and tail piece are same.
The lng pipe and next pipe are different.
If you need those two pieces I have them NOS.

Fil Bonica

[Bucolic]

Fil, do you have the part numbers for those two pipes? My source is having trouble finding a complete A-1 system. Since I'm replacing everything, wouldn't an A-2 complete system fit as well as an A-1 system?
I didn't mention that I know why the pipe broke. The entire system is held rigid, when the engine moves, the header pipe cannot. Over time, the repeated torque on the header pipe caused it to break.

[m75]

Someone posted a thread not too long ago, explaining how they adapted a flexible exhaust connector between the header pipe and next pipe. Air tight but provides a very reasonable degree of flexibility, just to address a similar situation.

[rickf]

The A1 and A2 rear suspension are different and that requires different rear pipes. The engine should not be moving enough to affect the exhaust system. The engine and transmission mounts are pretty restrictive. The factory system is clamped at the manifold and then has a clamped connection in front of the muffler, a ways behind the muffler and the last pipe. All are clamped with clamshell connectors so there is no movement going on there either. The tail pipe tip is bolted with two bolts through a flange. If flex is a concern you can weld in a flex connector into the front pipe in front of the muffler.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/wal ... lsrc=aw.ds

[Bucolic]

Ok, so I absolutely must have an A-1 rear pipe. The rest can be for an A-2. Am I understanding you correctly?

Is there a way to tell the two rear pipes apart from pictures? ( Read that as pictures on EBay)

[muttguru]

Bucolic.....

go here....read this......

It covers the differences between the systems along with the appropriate part numbers for each.
Ken

http://www.g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=12& ... ust#p54772

[m75]

Try this thread entry from Horst,

http://g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=102 ... ble#p86360


eflexter here on G838 had another POV on the topic, you might go direct with him.

[Bucolic]

Bucolic.....

go here....read this......

It covers the differences between the systems along with the appropriate part numbers for each.
Ken

http://www.g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=12& ... ust#p54772

Ken - Thank you, Thank you.
I went there, I read it and it answered all my questions. I have now located all the correct parts I need.
Thanks again.

[Bucolic]

OK, I've either bought or am waiting for delivery of all the parts I need to replace the entire exhaust system on my '64 A-1. My question now is, which connector clamp do I want to use and which is correct? I've seen one type that looks like a heavy-duty pipe strap with a groove in both pieces and I assume you put the round gasket between the pipe pieces. The other type I've seen looks like it has some sort of insert in it forming the groove and uses the round gaskets.
Here's the one with the inserts:
Here's the other design:
Can someone tell me which is better and correct? Or will either one work?

[rickf]

They both do the same job, I would venture to say the first pic are the original design and the second are the later (and cheaper to make) design. I have not seen those first ones for a long time.

[m3a1]

Nyloc nuts on exhaust pipe connections? I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be using with those. According to the internet - Nyloc nuts retain their locking ability up to 250 °F (121 °C). How hot does an exhaust pipe get when the truck is sitting and idling?

Just thought I'd mention it.

Cheers,
TJ

[Bucolic]

Nyloc nuts on exhaust pipe connections? I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be using with those. According to the internet - Nyloc nuts retain their locking ability up to 250 °F (121 °C). How hot does an exhaust pipe get when the truck is sitting and idling?

Just thought I'd mention it.

Cheers,
TJ

Good point. I hadn't noticed the Nylocs, but I wouldn't be using them anyway. I prefer to use stainless whenever possible.
I haven't checked yet, but I'm hoping that the muffler shop left all the stock attachment points intact. I may have to install new ones. Not looking forward to that

Thanks for your input Rick and TJ.

[Fil Bonica]

The original clamps are much more substantial and consequentially more expensive.
Because of their design they make secure things better but I dont know if it would really make a difference:
I would use either and keep the others for later

Fil Bonica

[rickf]

There are only two attachment points, The big clamp around the muffler and the little clamp on the back side of the hole through the frame in the back. You will find that you have to loose fit the pipes and then twist them around gently until you find the sweet spot where it doesn't hit the driveshaft and everything actually lines up. I suggest leaving the round gaskets out as you do this since you will be twisting quite a bit and the gaskets will be damaged. Once you get it all in position take a sharpie and draw a line across the joint so you know where it lines up and put the gasket and clamp on.