The muffler connections should be closer to the body. Looking at the muffler facing the tailpipe the connection should be at about the 7 o'clock position. Do note the inlet and outlet flanges are not the same. As for that outer tin it has to clear the brackets. If they are a mess they really should be replaced. Sometimes these mufflers have the tin in the wrong and it has to be moved.

Sent from my Windows Phone.
Ignore the typos!
Dennis
________________________________
From: Mike Finkbiner
Sent: 8/1/2012 11:18 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Orienting Muffler

I have an '87 Westy, and am going to replace the aftermarket muffler and cat with a set I bought from the Bus Depot.

The
 existing muffler was welded to the supports instead of using the
muffler straps, so we will have to cut it off, grind the welds down and
put the new muffler, tailpipe and cat in their place.  The new danish
muffler has two fins sticking out from the body, running most of the
length.  The input and output holes are to one side on the ends rather
than centered.

I'm assuming you orient it so the holes are farther away from the body, but what about the fins?

I
 have two muffler straps which are short, and one quite a bit longer.
We'll have to see which ones fit, and hope the mount isn't too buggered.

It
 may all make perfect sense once we get the old stuff off, but I thought
 I would check to see if there are any tips or suggestions that would
make things easier.

Thanks!

- Mike

Mike Finkbiner
Moscow, Idaho
'87 Westy

mike_l_f@hotmail.com