1963 Exhaust System Install

[Joel T.]

Hi,

I'm up to installing the exhaust as part of my 1963 SWC "restoration" project. The system that came out of the car was a Midas Muffler custom bent special and has long since found its way into the dumpster.

Here's my question.. when I install the connecting (extension) pipe from the engine pipe to the muffler, how do I know when it is aligned properly?? I have one side in now and arranged it so that the very end of the extension pipe sits horizontal at that final 90 degree bend. In this posotion, the muffler connects fine and the exhaust tip is fine, but the muffler winds up only about one inch from the inside of the rear tire.... I think that if I twist that extension pipe a bit, raising the angle from horizontal, I can create more clearance at the rear wheel. Any rule of thumb for setting that extension pipe???

Thanks!!

Joel

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust System Install

Just a suggestion but I think you have to install both sides loose. Then line them up to look proper and tighten everything up. The mufflers are turned slightly at an angle.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust System Install

I wasn't able to do this with the car on jackstands. I had to take it to a muffler place. Guy put the car up on a lift. Loosely hung the system, 1 side at a time, on stands. Then proceeded to adjust, tighten, and adjust each side for 1 hour each. That's what it took to ensure no rattles. Much running up and back. I don't believe there's any other way to do it. Very frustrating. Adjust the front; move towards the back to adjust the next thing downstream; and, the front goes out of whack. Process works in reverse too. Only way was to sneak up on it. Do it in lots of little increments.

[Steve D.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust System Install

Joel

Scroll down a bit and find a post I made yesterday with a picture of my 63 set up. The clearances that I measure are about the same as what you describe.

Steve