When the muffler needs to be replaced again it appears the mechanic left enough pipe to clamp or weld on a new one.

Most exhaust shops have industrial exhaust tools, vehicle hoist and can usually perform the work more easily, fab new parts, have welder and torch.

As for the spreading machine. There are home shop tools available. These don't work as easily as a hydraulic or industrial type pipe spreader, usually designed for production work.

Exhaust expander / spreader for home exhaust repairs.



Kit for different size exhausts.

Small expander 1-1/8" to 1-3/4" Medium Expander 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" Large Expander 2-1/8" to 3-1/2"

 

Well, there's sure no reason THAT guy made bank. Looks like welding is out of HIS reach. That's crap welding. I can do better - MUCH better - and I'm a rookie with a lot to learn about welding.

If you ever need exhaust work again, I suggest you find another place to take it.

 

Those are really good prices. Looks like a Walker diagram - probably Walker parts.

 

Those welds are not stellar but I do like he painted them so they don't rust immediately.

 

Car mechanics make bank?

 

The weld is ugly, but it's a 360 degree weld.
Many guys would just do a few tacks and be done.
So, it's ugly, but it's bulletproof.
This is the last time I will ever notice the muffler anyway.

 

Oh boy.
Being a 360 weld has nothing to do with it being a crap weld.
"Many guys " would just do tacks and be done? Did he say that to you?
The fact that it's an ugly weld means it ISN'T bulletproof. With the heat and vibration it sees it will fail sooner than if welded properly.
Last time, eh...so I take it you're going to be selling the barnacle then?

Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for this work?

 

The diagram has AP exhaust part numbers.

http://www.apexhaust.com/
http://www.apexhaust.com/our-company/

I pieced my oe-fit exhaust system together from stores with free shipping, which kept the total cost down. Shipping usually becomes higher on irregular and larger size items that take up additional cargo space.

I did the oe-fit with clamps mainly because I didn't have a welder, garage, shop or any workspace. No place to burn, cut, weld, etc. to work on the exhaust. OE-fit with clamps is fairly easy took about 30 to 45 mins. to remove old exhaust and install the new exhaust system.

 

that weld looks like ray charles did it with his feet.....
that guy need to put the welder down. but hell it matches you and your xj's personality.

 

Bimmer,


You got punked on that weld job but who gives a rat's ****. You won't be under there for a long time to grieve over it, so carry on.


End of thread?

 

"A few tacks" would not pass inspection in any state that has safety inspections. You'd have exhaust leaks under the vehicle.




Where's the fun in that?

 

What about no welds at all? My XJ came from the factory with no welds between the front exhaust pipe and the Cat, just a clamp.

 

Clamp or complete weld, either works.

Tacking a few spots does not.

 

Still waiting to hear how much was paid...

 

It took the mechanic 1 hour and 15 mins to do this job.

Jeep is so quiet now.
It's like a different car!
Thanks for all the help guys!