Hi Laurin

I managed to avoid the *ultra-expensive* exhaust issue for many years by
employing the services of an excellent local pipe-bender.  He saved me a
great deal of money but... once those pipes start to go they just keep on
going!  I took the plunge this summer and bought the parts (stock) from
Parts Place in Michigan (248/373-2300) and had my trusty pipe-bender install
them for the same reasons you cited.  It was a good thing too as he spent
the better part of a day just getting the old fasteners out.  It's nice to
be expecting years instead of hoping for months before my next exhaust
repair!

J.Peter

>From: "Laurin J. Schmidt, II" <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>

>Reply-To: "Laurin J. Schmidt, II" <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>

>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

>Subject: Exhaust

>Date: Sun, 8 Aug 1999 18:24:26 -0500

>

>Hi all.

>     Thanks to all for the excellent replies on the 84 Westy question. I
>now

>own my first water-cooled westy. The van needs a complete exhaust right off

>the bat. I think I'll defer the labor to a local shop as I just dont want
>to

>fuss with rusty/probably breaking and seizing studs and such. I do need to

>order the parts though and I wonder what is best.

>     There seems to be 2 options: stock or "performance."  If I recall the

>performance is a bit cheaper but I am a big believer in "you get what you

>pay for." In general, I use stock whenever possible on my 77 and it serves

>me very very well.  I would love your opinions as you have been driving,

>fixing, loving and occasionally cussing these water-cooleds far longer than

>I.

>TIA!

>Jay Schmidt

>84 Westy newbie

>77 Westy

>71 hightop lawn ornament

>schmidt5@hsonline.net

>PS: I'd love to find the bentley vanagon manual...a used version that is.

>I'd like to reserve my ninety bucks only as a last alternative.  Anyone
>have

>one with some greasy fingerprints that they want to sell?

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