In a message dated 1/9/00 8:44:50 AM, schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET writes:

<< I DID make my exhaust braces out of electrical conduit >>

Vanagoneers seem to have a penchant for electrical conduit which, I assume,
they mean the EMT (electrical metallic tubing) variety.  While EMT is widely
used in residential and commercial (not industrial) electrical systems, it
should not be hung under a vehicle.  The very mechanical properties which
make EMT conducive to its designated application, i.e., as a light duty
electrical raceway, also make it unsuitable for any structural purpose.  EMT
lacks the stiffness and toughness that is required; it's made of a flabby
material.  While the VW exhaust bracketry is not made of gold, it is most
likely made of chrome-moly steel.

I have used 316 stainless steel, 1/2 X .065 tubing whenever I have needed to
fabricate a replacement exhaust bracket.  The .065 wall seems to make for a
component that is as stiff as the original and the 316 ss is certainly tough
enough.

EMT is cheap and readily available, two attributes which have nothing to do
with its suitability for this purpose.  If you are going to go to all the
trouble to fabricate these parts, why not use