Working towards finishing up "Phase 1" of the build. This truck has been off the road since 1987. I replaced the cooling system, attended to the brake system, threw on some new/old tires and wheels, some misc. stuff, and she running like a dream. Really enjoy driving it around. The old Y-Block puts out more torque that I was expecting, which is nice. Still needs some work to get it where it needs to be. And the next on my list is the exhaust system.

Right now I'm running headers and short pipes/mufflers that empty under the cab. I'm not liking this "1980's hot rod" approach. I think the headers are fine. I would like to put dual exhaust all the way out the rear or the truck. Are there any "do-it-yourself" dual exhaust kits available? I'm looking for a basic and quiet system that shows off the Y-Block song.

 

Quiet and show off the y-block song are competing priorities in my opinion. Now a days it is usually just as easy to take it to a muffler shop where they bend their own pipe and make it fit. At least around here there are some very reasonably priced guys.

I like the sound of a two Smitty mufflers, but it is not what I would call quiet. I would call it "throaty".

 

Like Walston, I'd recommend a muffler shop. They can custom bend it and exit anyway you prefer. Well, not sure if that is the case in California! As for "quiet", I always liked a softer rumble that was just enough to let you know there was a V8 under the hood. I'm to old for that loud, in-your-face, megaphone tipped noise pollution.

I like the way it's looking. What's with the chain in the pic?

 

Thanks Walston, good ideas. I could go to a muffler shop. I really like doing all my own work. I haven't been to a mechanic or shop in a couple of decades, except to mount tires. On the other hand, dropping off the truck loud and picking it up done does sounds pretty nice.

hardlyrider, the chain is a little fence area. For parking I think. And I'm with you "softer rumble that was just enough to let you know there was a V8 under the hood". I have been driving my Ranchero for about 10 years, 390 FE with cherry bombs exiting in front of the rear tires. Its loud obnoxious and does get a little old. My truck is going to be used as a truck and not a hot rod.

 

If you want to save a few bucks buy some exhaust pipe and mufflers at napa and just get a shop to do some bends as you need and weld her up yourself. That's what I did on my 64, just got him to make over the axle arcs then a couple kicks. I find it easy as I bend pipe at work as a sparky which I could prob do my exhaust on that machine at work, never thought of that. Lol

D

 

Off topic I know, sorry. I noticed your paint is looking pretty good, I remember some speculation about what you would do about it. What did you end up doing? Trying to decide what to do w mine. Also like the mirrors, thinking about something similar.

 

GeeeMCeee,

After some thought, advice here, and research, I realized that I shouldn't clearcoat over rust (seems obvious really). Even though they do it on TV, it isn't really a permanent solution. So, I washed really good, polished and waxed. I am only about 1/3 done. It's really bringing the paint back to live. Looks great.

Michael