Just a note on my experience in 16 years and 200,000 miles.  The pipes
don't rust out, they crack, usually in the bend near the exhaust port,
and sometimes at the flanges and weld fillets. They can usually be
welded up to extend their lifetime, I've done mine over a dozen times.
The mufflers do rust out though, but I have only replaced mine once in
that period, but now I am finally replacing everything.

Exhaust systems rust from the inside out, and the Vanagon's gets hot
fast and is short, so condensation is not a problem for normal drivers.
The black converted rust on the outside might look better though!

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208
Fax: 206-269-6360

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