Larry Smith's Exhaust Pipes

[SteveTN]

Are these still being made? Is the correct muffler available? I have part of one (muffler) but missing the rear shell for it.


http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1450198042

[Mark Gregush]

Don't know about the pipes but the rear end (outlet) piece would be the same as repos made today and original used from the time the pressed steel ends started.

[KimDobbins]

I have a set of muffler shells that are in very nice used condition $40. If that will help you out.

[ModelTWoods]

Larry (Original) Smith, usually makes things in small runs. Only he would know if he still has one. If worst came to worst, i could measure the overall length of mine and you could lengthen your existing pre-26 exhaust pipe the needed amount to accommodate the late style original muffler.

[Dan Hatch]

How about a complete original one? Muffler and all, Shipping may be a bit high, but I got one I would sell. Dan

[John Page]

Hello All.,
Interesting discussion.
I am not sure wether the present day reproduction muffler ends are the same size as what Ford made in the day.
The original ends were a lot thicker due to the fact that Ford used up scrap fender offcuts etc. and they were a double thickness of that material.

Best regards, John Page, Australia.

[Mark Gregush]

True on the thickness of stock used, but the outer diameter of the outer and middle tubes (shells) remained the same. The inner tube on the replacement style may be a little bigger, would have to do more checking on that tube.

[SteveTN]

Fascinating. We've all heard all these stories about nothing going to waste. I had no idea they used scrap fender metal.

Very cool.

I appreciate the offers and I may reach out. I would like to find an end for mine but its not a big deal. I was mostly just curious about these pipes. They got such great reviews for fit when he made them.

[Dan Hatch]

Here is the original I was talking about. Dan

[Original Smith]

I think someone should get that pipe from Dan. That is what I have on my 1925. I'll not be making any more of those pipes. It was a lot or work, and the shipping was a pain in the ass. I used a NOS Ford script original for the pattern.

[SteveTN]

Thanks Larry!

I was more than anything just curious about the project, and if you had gone into production for them.

I don't think most of us have a real appreciation for the work that goes into making a correct part and getting it out into the market.

I know I don't!

Steve

[SteveTN]

I do amaze myself. About a year ago I asked about these pipes and mufflers.

I recently had a bad back fire (loose switch) and thought I'd blown out my muffler. I just decided to replace it and ordered a reproduction. Got under there today and in sliding the old one off discovered I have one of Larry's pipes and mufflers. I took it all out and found it went right back together on the bench. I think the nut on the end had loosened a bit...probably what saved it. It went back just fine!

When I got it...where I got it...I have no idea. But there it is.

Now if I can just find where I put my wallet...

[Allan]

I congratulate Larry on his striving to accurately reproduce parts to the Ford specs. Too often near enough is taken to be good enough, and the result is an ill fitting, easily picked replica.

The Canadians went about making theirs a little differently, and easily than Larry's. There is no front ridge in the pipe, up to which the front end of the muffler is butted. Rather, they simply drilled a 1/4" hole through the pipe, made a slight groove in the flange on the muffler end, and that grove engaged on a 1/4" cotter pin fitted through the pipe. This is much easier to duplicate. the fitting method at the back end is the same, but the back end piece differs. Instead of the punched hole and remaining flap, it has a separate deflector riveted over the outlet.

On a RHD car, the pipe is more complicated. There are extra bends to clear the pedals,and to provide clearance under the floor mounted starter switch. The local club has had a computer bending programme set up with a custom exhaust house and we do them an batches as needed.

I took over making mufflers from a member who passed. He made the tooling to spin, rather than press the ends. The end of the pipe is left to the buyer to work on as he pleases. Most make the thread in the end captive by welding it into a heavy washer and the washer into the pipe. None of this is seen. A bit like alloy pistons. In a further concession to convenience, I assemble fully finished mufflers, ready to fit. The centre pipe is the same size as the exhaust pipe. However, the front two inches are expanded to fit over the standard pipe. The front muffler end buts up to the expanded section, like it does to Larry's ridge. The rest looks just like originals. To fit one of these requires the exhaust pipe to be cut off to length, and the expanded end simply slips over the pipe. That's the only outward appearance difference. Most are happy to live with that. By the way, the two larger shells are both double crimped rather than spot welded. It makes for a stronger assembly. On my cars I even go to stainless steel for these.

Allan from down under.

[Steve Jelf]

I think the nut on the end had loosened a bit...

Double nut it to stay tight.

[Original Smith]

You don't need to double nut it! Just use a lock washer like Ford did, the bolt isn't long enough for two nuts.

[SteveTN]

A hyphenated word and a non-hyphenated word walk into a bar and the bartender nearly chokes on the irony.