Nice!

YAAAAAYYYYYyyyyyyyy!

As an update I loosened connections. Put a jack under the bend below the pipe to manifold flare joint and lifted into position. Once assured of the fit and position I lowered the Jack enough to smear muffler paste onto the manifold and down pipe flares. Jacked back to position. Re applied paste to the joint then put my clamp in position tightening on the clamp. With the clamp tight I went about realigning and tightening up the exhaust system. I let it sit and cure until the next day. Test started and no more leaks! Biggles is off the jackets SS and on the road again

Thank for all the tips and advice Blaine

I am having another go at it this morning. I. Will support the system and loosen the hangers. Add a bit of force from the bottom of the down pipe to align the joint.

I will also add some muffler paste prior to final alignment and tightening of the joint

Thanks for all the advise.

I will post latter today on how this all goes

From sunny and muggy Florida Blaine

I found it helps to get the joint perfectly aligned and tight before putting the clamp on. I would support the rest of the exhaust system slightly loose in place so I could move it around and support the down pipe with a floor jack. The floor jack could apply gentle pressure to the joint while I checked its alignment from above with my fingers. Then I put the clamp on, adjusted and tightened the remaining supports and removed the jack.

You also need to have in place the small brace at the bottom of the downpipe that connects to the differential case. It keeps the downpipe steady in relation to engine and manifold, protecting the joint.

This joint can also work loose if your engine mounts and/or top steady bar rubbers are shot.

Thanks, I suspected I need something but was not sure. Cheers Blaine

Yes, muffler mud works really well for that as long as the joint is tight enough to not flex. Just smear it into connection all around.

Hi all I just replaced the twin box exhaust system on my 76 mini. I got the twin box and fittings from our host. After installing I gave it a quick test. Big leak of exhaust at the manifold to down pipe connection. These pipes are both flared and the clamp fits over the joint. As the clam is tightened it holds the two snugly, but not tight enough.

Question. Should I use a paste or something on this connection? Or should I just get these two tighter together?

Does anyone have experience or advice on this?

Thanks

Blaine