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Andy4639 · 03-16-2003, 02:28 PM

I have been thinking about this for some time now.
I have the use of a mandrel bending machine that will bend up to 4" aluminum pipe. I can buy the aluminum pipe for about $8.00 -$10.00 for 10' sections.
What do all of you think of making my own exhaust out of aluminum. PRO'S and CON'S.
I know I would either have to clamp all the joints are have them welded, that is one thing I would have to find out if I could get it welded. I work with welders that can weld aluminum, it's just the matter of getting it done under the truck.
I guess what I really want to know would the aluminum be worth the trouble to do it. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Xzavior240 · 03-16-2003, 06:06 PM

well the pros would be it wouldnt rust as quick and it would be lighter. Im not that much on the strength of aluminum, but doesnt aluminum melt easier then steel? and would aluminum actually be able to hold in the heat from the exhaust? because the heat from a regular arc welder can turn aluminum into a little pile of molten metal. it would suck to see someones truck do that.just my opinion though.
hope I helped some
dan

*Randy70C-10* · 03-16-2003, 07:25 PM

I think I'd use stainless if I had access to a bender.

Xzavior240 · 03-16-2003, 07:27 PM

stainless is the perty stuff and I know it will hold the heat

Andy4639 · 03-16-2003, 07:31 PM

I don't know if the benders would handle it are not? But yes that would be the way to go if it would. I guess if I could get some thin wall S/S it would work.

Xzavior240 · 03-16-2003, 07:33 PM

ask the people who have the machine to see if it will handle stainless. the worse they can do is say no. if it will I'd go that way myself. steel is always better then aluminum.

LudwigTheMad · 03-16-2003, 07:37 PM

Ever wonder why alm. isnt used for exhaust in shops?????

alm. is great for disipating heat, unfortunately you really don't want to do that right under your floor do you??

or right next to your starter??

also alm. contracts and expands with temp (reason why alm heads can be tricky/touchy) and the slightest gap in a exhaust system creates a leak, you would have to have alm. manifold/headers and muflers to make a easy or tight seal. Not sure if you can weld alm to steel......(or if you can it's tricky...)

nice idea though........

Andy4639 · 03-16-2003, 07:40 PM

The machine is at work, and its portable. It's a hand operated machine that I can bring home over the weekend and use. It's hydrolic with a pump. I have used it before for bending my top radiator hose on the truck.

View Poll Results: Should I use aluminum for exhaust?
Pure aluminum	0	0%
Weld	1	100.00%
Clamps	0	0%
Mufflers	0	0%
Voters: 1. You may not vote on this poll

03-16-2003, 02:28 PM	#1
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Want feed back please? I have been thinking about this for some time now. I have the use of a mandrel bending machine that will bend up to 4" aluminum pipe. I can buy the aluminum pipe for about $8.00 -$10.00 for 10' sections. What do all of you think of making my own exhaust out of aluminum. PRO'S and CON'S. I know I would either have to clamp all the joints are have them welded, that is one thing I would have to find out if I could get it welded. I work with welders that can weld aluminum, it's just the matter of getting it done under the truck. I guess what I really want to know would the aluminum be worth the trouble to do it. Any and all suggestions are welcome. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-16-2003, 06:06 PM	#2
Xzavior240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: enterprise kansas Posts: 230	well the pros would be it wouldnt rust as quick and it would be lighter. Im not that much on the strength of aluminum, but doesnt aluminum melt easier then steel? and would aluminum actually be able to hold in the heat from the exhaust? because the heat from a regular arc welder can turn aluminum into a little pile of molten metal. it would suck to see someones truck do that.just my opinion though. hope I helped some dan __________________ 71 chevy C10 LWB 2WD runs and everything 79 chevy 1/2 ton Big Ten silverado gonna part it out since it left me walking. 69 f100 real good shape with lots of go go juice 89 plymouth reliant (daily driver) 86 thunderbird sitting in the weeds almost covered (anyone need parts?) WWW.xschunkofthenet.freeservers.com nothing there I promise " tell me I'm a sinner I got news for you. I spoke to god this morning and he dont like you" OZZY

03-16-2003, 07:27 PM	#4
Xzavior240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: enterprise kansas Posts: 230	stainless is the perty stuff and I know it will hold the heat __________________ 71 chevy C10 LWB 2WD runs and everything 79 chevy 1/2 ton Big Ten silverado gonna part it out since it left me walking. 69 f100 real good shape with lots of go go juice 89 plymouth reliant (daily driver) 86 thunderbird sitting in the weeds almost covered (anyone need parts?) WWW.xschunkofthenet.freeservers.com nothing there I promise " tell me I'm a sinner I got news for you. I spoke to god this morning and he dont like you" OZZY

03-16-2003, 07:31 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	S/S I don't know if the benders would handle it are not? But yes that would be the way to go if it would. I guess if I could get some thin wall S/S it would work. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-16-2003, 07:25 PM	#3
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I think I'd use stainless if I had access to a bender.

03-16-2003, 07:33 PM	#6
Xzavior240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: enterprise kansas Posts: 230	ask the people who have the machine to see if it will handle stainless. the worse they can do is say no. if it will I'd go that way myself. steel is always better then aluminum. __________________ 71 chevy C10 LWB 2WD runs and everything 79 chevy 1/2 ton Big Ten silverado gonna part it out since it left me walking. 69 f100 real good shape with lots of go go juice 89 plymouth reliant (daily driver) 86 thunderbird sitting in the weeds almost covered (anyone need parts?) WWW.xschunkofthenet.freeservers.com nothing there I promise " tell me I'm a sinner I got news for you. I spoke to god this morning and he dont like you" OZZY

03-16-2003, 07:37 PM	#7
LudwigTheMad Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ramona, CA Posts: 2,033	Ever wonder why alm. isnt used for exhaust in shops????? alm. is great for disipating heat, unfortunately you really don't want to do that right under your floor do you?? or right next to your starter?? also alm. contracts and expands with temp (reason why alm heads can be tricky/touchy) and the slightest gap in a exhaust system creates a leak, you would have to have alm. manifold/headers and muflers to make a easy or tight seal. Not sure if you can weld alm to steel......(or if you can it's tricky...) nice idea though........ __________________ That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban.

03-16-2003, 07:40 PM	#8
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Machine The machine is at work, and its portable. It's a hand operated machine that I can bring home over the weekend and use. It's hydrolic with a pump. I have used it before for bending my top radiator hose on the truck. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

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