tail pipe supplier advice
 

Guys,
I'm searching for the most authentically reproduced tail pipe for a '39 - '40 Ford.
Any advice as to who I should go with?

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

You might try Waldron Exhaust. 800-503-9428
to see what they offer.
They make a good quality replacement muffler for a 1940 Ford.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Mike,

Your best bet given what I believe to be your objective is to seek a firm that does mandrel bending, which is the only way to achieve the '1/8" or less distortion' in curves specified on the original engineering drawings. Nothing that I've seen on the market at present meets that standard for any pre-WWII Ford pipe. You might start by asking Mike McKennett in Portland who he used to produce the flawless '32-'34 pipes he once offered.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Thanks Dave. That's the probably the route I will take (again). I have a NOS pipe that I have had copied numerous times. A friend of mine owns a shop that does good work on this. I just hate asking so often...

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

The supply of pre-WWII NOS or quality NORS inlet, outlet, and crossover pipes has pretty well dried up and as a result I'm employing used originals in some cases.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

I've employed used front exhaust pipes previously. I've had a number of them that were pit free and appeared beautiful after powder finishing.
I have no good (used) tail pipes.

I suppose I'll just ask my friend to make a couple more for me. He's a good guy - I just hate asking...

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Go in with a proposition to make a batch and then sell a few so he gets a slice and isn't just doing you a favour. I'm sure there would be a good call for a decent facsimile of a good part.

Mart.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Kube, are there any Ford specifications on these exhaust pipes that a guy can use to have a new one custom bent? I have a custom exhaust guy near me that is really particular and would make one for me provided I had the specifications.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Mart, I always insist on paying him well although he never asks. I figure the guy is supporting his family. He needs to make money, he's doing me a favor and this isn't a typical request.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Seth, I am quite certain there are drawings. I keep a NOS pipe in my stash for copying purposes.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

The files of the engineering drawings for early V8 exhaust system components at the Benson Ford Research Center are pretty complete. I've had some rare items made from copies of those drawings.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

David, I'll have to keep that in mind. I think we may share a mutual friend in Tennessee by the way.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Waldron Exhaust made my 41 woodie complete tailpipe as well as my 36. I had to cut and reweld every bend on the 41 from front to back to get it to fit. On the 36 I had a muffler shop weld 3 inches of carbon steel into the stainless crossover pipe to get it to fit. I sent the piece back and had to pay for materials to get one that fit that was all stainless. Apparently they charge extra for one that fits. Don't know of another place that would do any better.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Kube, I found this in my other garage in the attic. From the tag it must be a replacement from either ford or?
BILL WELLS

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Forgot to add the sticker has replaces 91A-5255

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Kube there are companies that could scan your NOS pipe & bend exactly as scanned . Could even do in stainless if you wanted. Call Brown & Miller Racing Solutions here in Charlotte they have the equipment to do this. They are not an exhaust place but have the equipment to do as I have stated. Once scanned they would have on file for future pipes .
Cheers
Tony

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

That's very interesting. I'll keep it in mind. I didn't realize this was a possibility.
Thanks!

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Waldron sent my tail pipes in two pieces, neither one fit very well.

Re: tail pipe supplier advice
 

Also judging from my avatar picture I had to replace them anyway