Anyone work on stainless steel exhaust?

[germ79]

Hey, guys! The previous owner of my TA put in headers, a 3" 304 stainless exhaust system that dumped at the axle after going into a muffler and I had tips put on.

I'm trying to get the car tuned and we were thinking there is an exhaust leak, so I did the old Seafoam smoke trick and could see that there are at least 2 clamps that have been poorly welded that are leaking like crazy. The place I had put the tips on I was NOT impressed with.

Anyone here work on (or know someone who works on) stainless exhaust systems? I've been told you need special equipment for this? I need these clamps removed and the joints welded instead and would also love another pair of eyes and ears to look and listen for any other leaks.

Any advice you can give is great appreciated!

[landstuhltaylor]

If you want to do it right you have to use stainless wire and a different gas mix, if you really want it perfect purge the workpiece with argon. Otherwise just use a normal welder and deal with the fact the joint is no longer stainless. Personally I clamp things I don't want to rust and the easy access stuff weld normally and hit both sides of the joint with hi-temp paint.

[germ79]

Good to know. I didn't realize all the differences. I'm certain I have a nice stainless system with plain ol' welding joints now. Hmm... Well, I think this place messed it up, because they actually welded around the clamp...and it is sill leaking. I don't know much about welding, but wondering if it will have to be cut out and a new piece put back in?!

If if anyone can recommend somebody here on the east side, that would be great! I'd even drive a bit if they're not around here.

[1BADAIR]

diamond fabrication

[MP81]

Good to know. I didn't realize all the differences. I'm certain I have a nice stainless system with plain ol' welding joints now. Hmm... Well, I think this place messed it up, because they actually welded around the clamp...and it is sill leaking. I don't know much about welding, but wondering if it will have to be cut out and a new piece put back in?!

If if anyone can recommend somebody here on the east side, that would be great! I'd even drive a bit if they're not around here.

They welded the clamp? That's an...interesting way to do it...

[germ79]

diamond fabrication

Thanks for the info! Looks like folks like this place! I love finding these go-to places when moving somewhere new!

[germ79]

They welded the clamp? That's an...interesting way to do it...

I don't want to take about it...

[landstuhltaylor]

I had a shop weld my cat directly to the driver QTP longtube that you can no longer buy after I specifically told them not to. Still pissed about that one

[Boost Addict]

Gautz enterprises

[germ79]

I had a shop weld my cat directly to the driver QTP longtube that you can no longer buy after I specifically told them not to. Still pissed about that one

Let's just throw it away!

[germ79]

Having a heck of a time getting a hold of Diamond Fabrications! Any suggestions?

[Iroc'nthe87]

Diamond isn't taking on any new work, as he is backlogged for quite awhile right now. I would try Gautz as Ricky suggested above.

[birdie2000]

Gautz has done a few projects for me now and they all turned out excellent.

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