----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Frisbee <sfrisbee@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, October 01, 1999 12:36 PM
Subject: muffler strap

Hi Steve

As I was replacing a noisy muffler I noticed that my muffler strap was
 rusted through and the old muffler was barely hanging there.
Here is what I did to fix it:   (from memory, about 2 month old now)

Removed what was left of the muffler strap (both ends, muffler off first).
Cut out thin sheet metal part, at the thicker ends of the strap.  Measured
length of strap needed (which was cut out) and added about 1.5 inches
on each end extra for lap.  Found in my scrap metal box some galvanized
sheet metal (about 20 gauge, could not find stainless steel ) and cut the
strap needed.  Clamped each end of the strap to the still good end-pieces
of the original strap.  Drilled two  1/8 in holes about 3/4 in apart and
riveted
 the pieces together.  For rivets I used 1/8 in galvanized nails, drove them
through the holes, cut of the nails, leaving about 3/16 in for the riveting.

Bent and screwed strap back to van, installed new muffler and tailpiece.
 Saved $50.00 !

Alfred
85 Westie

P.S.  If you can find a strip of scrap stainless steel, your strap will have
a
lifetime warranty.

> My muffler strap rusted out and a new one is
> expensive, around $50.  Has anyone done a fix for this
> with metal strapping or something?
>
> Steve Frisbee
> 85 Westy, with tailpipe a'waggin
>