Getting quality exhaust work

[mrvm]

Going to add exhaust work to my DIY resume after taking evening welding classes. Had a poor experience at a nationwide muffler chain. Figured what could go wrong with replacing a front flex exhaust pipe. They cut off the old flex and installed a new flex pipe section. Problem discovered after two return visits due to exhaust fumes entering the vehicle was half-assed welding job around the pipe. Exhaust putty was used to seal the top un-welded sections of the pipe. Had expected better results from this nation-wide chain. The attached pic has me crawling under the car with an inspection mirror to find the half-assed work and use of exhaust putty on my return trip to complain about exhaust fumes. I don't get exhaust work every year but what's the GJ take on this repair? I'm going to order a new OEM replacement front pipe with flex included to install in the Spring. Never again can I trust that muffler shop to do a relatively simple repair.

 

[bwringer]

The only answer I can offer is to find a good local independent shop. The online ratings can be a pretty good tool for figuring this out. Or you can ask around with the local performance car folks to see who does their custom exhaust work.

Not every muffler shop is capable of the craftsmanship needed.

There's a shop here in Indy (American Muffler & Brake East, if any Indy natives are wondering) that's absolutely stellar, and their Google ratings are glowing - 4.7 out of 5 stars, which is amazing for any automotive service. The work they've done for me and my family is excellent, and costs are reasonable.

I've never noticed ANYONE happy about anything the chain shops do.

 

[hotrod1968]

Going to add exhaust work to my DIY resume after taking evening welding classes. Had a poor experience at a nationwide muffler chain. Figured what could go wrong with replacing a front flex exhaust pipe. They cut off the old flex and installed a new flex pipe section. Problem discovered after two return visits due to exhaust fumes entering the vehicle was half-assed welding job around the pipe. Exhaust putty was used to seal the top un-welded sections of the pipe. Had expected better results from this nation-wide chain. The attached pic has me crawling under the car with an inspection mirror to find the half-assed work and use of exhaust putty on my return trip to complain about exhaust fumes. I don't get exhaust work every year but what's the GJ take on this repair? I'm going to order a new OEM replacement front pipe with flex included to install in the Spring. Never again can I trust that muffler shop to do a relatively simple repair.

Lol why would you ever go to nationwide shop to begin with? Quality of work? I'm betting price. Nationwide anything tend to be know for quality, customer service etc correct?

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[Wrench97]

Can't weld rust and that pipe looks shot to me.

 

[allinon72]

Can't weld rust and that pipe looks shot to me.

That's not the exhaust pipe chief.

 

[Jeepster04]

This area doesn't have a good exhaust shop either. Figure good welders will find other jobs which pay more.

Unfortunately I've been stuck with welding my own exhaust, which isn't good either. Need to learn how to weld stainless.

 

[AldeanFan]

I’ve found that the local parts store can get me any exhaust pipe I’ve needed for cheaper than the muffler shop can fix it.

That whole pipe should have been replaced. They probably didn’t want to deal with breaking exhaust studs.

I had a Pontiac winter beater with a hole in the tail pipe. The chain muffler shop charged me $100 to replace about a foot of pipe.
That lasted about two months before more of the pipe rusted out and became perforated.
I bought the entire pipe for about $150 and bolted it on myself in under an hour.



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[mrvm]

Lol why would you ever go to nationwide shop to begin with? Quality of work? I'm betting price. Nationwide anything tend to be know for quality, customer service etc correct

Price was not the main driver. Just never kept cars long enough to need exhaust work. Grew up listening to repeated ads about Midas for brakes or Meineke for mufflers. Figured it should be safe to let them touch it. Just another lesson learned it's not always about convenience. Got to read some of the reviews + or - or learn to do it myself. Going to order that new front pipe today.

 

[Git]

That's not the exhaust pipe chief.

The photo is a little confusing until you realize that you're looking at the top of the exhaust pipe through the inspection mirror...

 

[MattT]

Grew up listening to repeated ads about Midas for brakes or Meineke for mufflers. Figured it should be safe to let them touch it.

Established businesses don't run ads to remind their happy customers that they're still in business. Folks remember good work at a fair price and will come back. And tell their friends. The outfits running ads are looking for fresh victims because they don't get repeat business or referrals.

 

[hotrod1968]

Established businesses don't run ads to remind their happy customers that they're still in business. Folks remember good work at a fair price and will come back. And tell their friends. The outfits running ads are looking for fresh victims because they don't get repeat business or referrals.

Yep... kinda like electricians, carpenters, car repair shops etc. In this economy things are booming if you need to advertise to attract customers, stay away from.

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[u2slow]

I haven't had exhaust 'done' at a shop in 20 years.

I buy kits, or mandrel bends and bulk pipe; and get to work. Its not always a fun job, but I get what I want in the end. Even if the plan changes halfway through.

 

[allinon72]

My experience - look for the dirtiest shop you can find with at least 10 cars sitting out front. Those are generally the best exhaust shops for both quality and price.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I haven't had exhaust 'done' at a shop in 20 years.

Twice in about 30 years !

My mistake the first time. Some vehicles actually use 100% stainless from the exhaust manifold back. These will last almost for ever. One of the weak areas are the hangers that are welded to the pipe and then slip into the rubber donuts. After about 15 years both of these failed and the whole system was hanging from the exhaust manifold ! If you are a real "penny pincher" get some heavy gauge stainless safety wire, about 5-6 times longer than the piece of rod that failed. Fold it in half and fold it in half again. Put one end in a vice, grab the other with some locking pliers and put some twists into it. Amazingly strong and still flexible you can bend it into what you need to replace the broken part.

Second, after an additional 5 years the flex joint failed (like the OP). At the same time it was discovered that one of the manifolds was cracked (not uncommon on that engine). I went to at least 6 shops. Only 2 gave me a bid because the the Y-pipe/flex joint/front cats were no longer available. The whole assembled had to be fabbed. The whole job, including manifold, was about $1,000 but 5 years later the vehicle is still on the road.

 

[kbs2244]

Find the shop to local pro drivers go to
Taxi, limo, etc.
In my area it is a "Fair" shop.
Dumpy ex gas station.
First come first served.
Always a 2 or 3 car wait.
But worth it.

 

[oldmxracer]

My experience - look for the dirtiest shop you can find with at least 10 cars sitting out front. Those are generally the best exhaust shops for both quality and price.

Have a shop in My small town, it is off the path hole in the wall dirty place.

Started in the 40's now the 3rd generation, one or two man shop is working it

Can not buy the materials to do it Myself for what they charge for it done !

Excellent work, done so fast it just is amazing !

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Price was not the main driver. Just never kept cars long enough to need exhaust work. Grew up listening to repeated ads about Midas for brakes or Meineke for mufflers. Figured it should be safe to let them touch it. Just another lesson learned it's not always about convenience. Got to read some of the reviews + or - or learn to do it myself. Going to order that new front pipe today.

I tried a Midas "lifetime warranty" muffler once. It lasted about 3 months. When I took it back for replacement they wouldn't replace it without new pipes (which were also 3 months old). Warranty only covered the muffler the pipes were a few hundred. I did get them to give me a new muffler (not installed). Every customer in the place watched me bash a hole in it and toss it in their dumpster.

 

[mrvm]

My experience - look for the dirtiest shop you can find with at least 10 cars sitting out front. Those are generally the best exhaust shops for both quality and price.

That's funny I missed all those clues!

Hopefully sharing my poor experience with Meineke might help fellow members

 

[mrvm]

I haven't had exhaust 'done' at a shop in 20 years.

I buy kits, or mandrel bends and bulk pipe; and get to work. Its not always a fun job, but I get what I want in the end. Even if the plan changes halfway through.

Just when I thought I done enough this summer: Jeep lift kit, a/c compressor, alternator, struts, brakes, etc, new skill sets with exhaust systems is the new goal....LOL

 

[firebirdparts]

Had expected better results from this nation-wide chain.

I never do that. I may be crazy, but I never do it. We're blessed here to have a couple of sole proprietors that take some pride in their work.

Kudos to you for doing your own exhaust welding. I generally don't, but I did some of it this year myself, and I am certainly not very productive compared to these guys that do it all day.

 

[ckucia]

I grew up in NE Ohio where salt is spread liberally on the roads. Working on exhaust is one of the few things automotive that I just don't enjoy no matter what.

That said, I still do it myself. I get better materials, better fit, sometimes a better price. It's worth the aggravation.

I don't have the equipment to weld stainless yet, but it's on my list.

As one of the posters up top mentioned, it's often a lot easier to just replace with new rather than screwing around with the rusted stuff. These days you can get just about anything online that you need.

Of course, once you have all the tools you need, a lift will make the job so much easier...

 

[bwringer]

Can't weld rust and that pipe looks shot to me.

What IS that horribly rusty thing, anyway?

My experience - look for the dirtiest shop you can find with at least 10 cars sitting out front. Those are generally the best exhaust shops for both quality and price.

Find the shop to local pro drivers go to
Taxi, limo, etc.
In my area it is a "Fair" shop.
Dumpy ex gas station.
First come first served.
Always a 2 or 3 car wait.
But worth it.

Have a shop in My small town, it is off the path hole in the wall dirty place.

Yep, this exactly describes the shop in Indy I mentioned. Run down neighborhood, the place looks like an absolute dump, first-come first-served, unbelievably fast, beautiful work.

The guy running the place is super-friendly; kind of a nice barber shop vibe in there. Very respectful to women, too, which is something of a rarity in auto service. I've sent my niece and wife there with no worries.

Just... don't park in front of the damn garage doors, OK? For some reason, at least half the people who pull up block the doors despite plenty of parking on the sides and gigantic "DON'T PARK HERE" signs.

So yeah, I've sworn off exhaust work in my driveway. I am 100% done with it.



One thing I have also learned the hard way is that replacement exhaust parts often don't fit quite correctly, which can create a major pain if you have to destroy something to remove it. Then if something's too short, wrong angle, too big, etc. you're sort of stuck.

With no other options for returning a defective system, here's the solution I once came up with...

 

[Jeepster04]

Just... don't park in front of the damn garage doors, OK? For some reason, at least half the people who pull up block the doors despite plenty of parking on the sides and gigantic "DON'T PARK HERE" signs.

The only time I go to a shop is when I need tires patched or mounted/balanced. I always find the door with a vehicle up on the rack (doors have big windows in them) and back up to that door to unload my wheels. Never had an issue with them getting upset doing it that way. Gives me time to get in and tell them I dropped off some carry-in's.

It was cracking me up when I went the other day. Little old woman pulled in beside of me blocking another door. She needed air... When I came back out to leave another little old lady was waiting behind her for air. Had to laugh and tell the guy putting air in the first ladies tires that they were lining up for him. He said its always like this...

 

[BillK]

The problem is that they are trying to hack it instead of fixing it properly by getting new oem parts and replacing the entire piece. No welding required.

 

[firebirdparts]

What IS that horribly rusty thing, anyway?

I think it's the anti-roll bar. They're usually round anyway, and it would be running perpendicular to an exhaust pipe.

 

[CraigStu]

In their defense, generally speaking access to the top of an exhaust pipe is quite difficult. So welding up there can be difficult to impossible. SO the fix would be to remove the pipe. But then you deal w/ all the other possibilities like the aforementioned studs that snap off etc. Would have been nice if they explained that up front and gave you options though.

 

[BajaScout]

For those who dare to cross the border, I have had excellent exhaust work done here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mofles-Rex/226720317357166

Go have a couple beers and tacos while you wait!!

 

[mrvm]

In their defense, generally speaking access to the top of an exhaust pipe is quite difficult. So welding up there can be difficult to impossible. SO the fix would be to remove the pipe. But then you deal w/ all the other possibilities like the aforementioned studs that snap off etc. Would have been nice if they explained that up front and gave you options though.

That exact discussion should have occurred before they cut the old flex pipe off. Putting exhaust putty up top to close the gap is such a hack for a "pro" shop. New front exhaust pipe with flex are available with no welding needed.

 

[GRB]

Going to add exhaust work to my DIY resume after taking evening welding classes. Had a poor experience at a nationwide muffler chain. Figured what could go wrong with replacing a front flex exhaust pipe. They cut off the old flex and installed a new flex pipe section. Problem discovered after two return visits due to exhaust fumes entering the vehicle was half-assed welding job around the pipe. Exhaust putty was used to seal the top un-welded sections of the pipe. Had expected better results from this nation-wide chain. The attached pic has me crawling under the car with an inspection mirror to find the half-assed work and use of exhaust putty on my return trip to complain about exhaust fumes. I don't get exhaust work every year but what's the GJ take on this repair? I'm going to order a new OEM replacement front pipe with flex included to install in the Spring. Never again can I trust that muffler shop to do a relatively simple repair.

Expected better work from a nationwide chain? I only expect very poor work from them. Not sure I've ever seen a single example of quality work from them.

 

[99LeCouch]

Depends on the franchise in question. Some are excellent, others are sketchy. My folks had a good Firestone franchise that handled all the car work when I was growing up. It was the same manager for years who treated my folks fairly. Then he moved on, and his assistant took over. Must have been trained okay, since she seemed fine also.

These days, I'd rather do it myself if possible. I've had generally bad luck finding shops I trust, so DIY for stuff that often gets pricey at repair shops.

 

[ZRX61]

Let me guess... Midas? Everything they touch turns to ****.

 

[platypus20]

I would not allow any of the local muffler maggots touch any of my vehicles, or any of my family’s vehicles

 

[Steves32]

I weld my own. I build hot rods so exhaust is just part of it. I use a tig and use mandrel bends in either mild steel & ceramic coat or stainless. It’s all removable in sections. I don’t trust the local shops.

 

[u2slow]

Can not buy the materials to do it Myself for what they charge for it done !

Excellent work, done so fast it just is amazing !

No exhaust shop here. Its a ferry ride and waste of a day. When it comes to the pre-formed jobber exhaust sections, rockauto and amazon are half the price of local auto shop chargeout for the same parts when they install... nevermind the labour.

I'm way ahead doing it myself.

 

[jayoldschool]

The key to doing a flex pipe (repair) is time. You need to remove the pipe from the car. Chop the old torn flex out. Put the down pipe back ON the car. Put the flex section in place. Tack it. Take it all off the car again. Finish weld. Reinstall everything.