72 Judging question

[Gary S.]

In the 70-72 Technical Information and Judging Manual, third edition, the chassis section talks about service replacment mufflers. I have two sets of service replacement mufflers; those on the car have the GM part number and logo; those off the car don't have either. I took a minor deduction for service replacements at a Regional and was generally pleased with how these are treated in judging.

The question is whether or not to remove the second mounting bracket. The TI & JM staes that "Service replacmeent mufflers sometimes have two mounting brakcets on the rear face. Do no deduct for removal of the extra bracket in a craftsman like manner." Both sets of my mufflers have the second, and unused, bracket. First, what constitutes a "craftsman like manner"? If I received a one point deduction out of eight possible for originality and no points lost on condition, am I chasing a ghost point here? If removing the bracket is fairly easy I am wiling to give it a go. I have a Dremel, air grinder, etc so the tools issue isn't a problem.

Looking for advice and opinions (and I know you guys and gals have an abundance of that!;) )

Gary

[Robert C.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Gary, Using the GM replacements(with GMand Part#) you are looking at a minus 2 pts. for each. With the 2nd bracket gone some judges may make a 1 pt. deduct instead od 2 pts. There are alot of things beside the mufflers to judge in that area. You have the exhaust pipes themselves, hangers, tips,clamps etc.

[Robert C.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Gary, Using the GM replacements(with GMand Part#) you are looking at a minus 2 pts. for each. With the 2nd bracket gone some judges may make a 1 pt. deduct instead od 2 pts. There are alot of things beside the mufflers to judge in that area. You have the exhaust pipes themselves, hangers, tips,clamps etc.

[Jack H.]

Re: 72 Judging question

'Craftsmanlike manner' means it's left to the discretion of the judges who generally are looking to see the removal wasn't a 'butch' job. Remove the extra hanger and mill down the spotwelds WITHOUT burning through the muffler's end plate, then 'tastefully' spritz coating (your choice) to make the end cap surface appear continuously galvanized as it left the factory.

[Jack H.]

Re: 72 Judging question

'Craftsmanlike manner' means it's left to the discretion of the judges who generally are looking to see the removal wasn't a 'butch' job. Remove the extra hanger and mill down the spotwelds WITHOUT burning through the muffler's end plate, then 'tastefully' spritz coating (your choice) to make the end cap surface appear continuously galvanized as it left the factory.

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Thanks guys. I kinda/sorta figured that it meant something like that. But, never having seen one, I thought I would ask first.
Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Thanks guys. I kinda/sorta figured that it meant something like that. But, never having seen one, I thought I would ask first.
Gary

[Dave S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Gary, I ve been considering doing it as well. Would you mind giving us an update after you have completed it? It seems a Dremel tool w/ grinding wheel is the best way.

[Dave S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

Gary, I ve been considering doing it as well. Would you mind giving us an update after you have completed it? It seems a Dremel tool w/ grinding wheel is the best way.

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

I played around with it a little today using my B&D high speed grinder and a cutoff wheel. Lots of sparks, lots of grind marks, little progress. When I used the same cutoff wheel to cut the rusty old exhaust hangers off of my friends van, it zipped them off in about 45 seconds. This is some fairly healthy metal and is moderately thick. In addition, I have a couple of boo-boo's on the side of the muffler. I am glad I didn't start this on my GM mufflers. I doubt that a Dremel would work well - too small and not enough oomph. Just an opinion since I haven't tried it. More results when I get some real time to play.
Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Judging question

I played around with it a little today using my B&D high speed grinder and a cutoff wheel. Lots of sparks, lots of grind marks, little progress. When I used the same cutoff wheel to cut the rusty old exhaust hangers off of my friends van, it zipped them off in about 45 seconds. This is some fairly healthy metal and is moderately thick. In addition, I have a couple of boo-boo's on the side of the muffler. I am glad I didn't start this on my GM mufflers. I doubt that a Dremel would work well - too small and not enough oomph. Just an opinion since I haven't tried it. More results when I get some real time to play.
Gary