On Sunday 10 April 2005 09:30 pm, you wrote:
> > The headpipe is currently waiting for
> > trash pickup.
> >
> > A new Bell stainless system will be its replacement when everything goes
>
> back
>
> > together.
>
> My advice is to never throw away a part until the replacement is in hand
> and fitted. I have lived to regret the few times I have done this.
Phill,
I agree in theory, but this headpipe, along with the muffler and tailpipe is
trash. I have a few old headpipes from my TR3 which I have saved for
reference. This headpipe is like I have never seen and I have seen a few. The
pipe is one of the poorest quality pieces I have ever seen. I am guessing it
came from Midas, Monroe or some other cheap muffler shop. The gasket used was
just a glob of asbestos, no copper gasket as with an original TR. I am
guessing it was hand-made. It was just dust.
I already have test fitted the Bell headpipe, front and rear muffler and the
fit is perfect. The Bell system is about the best fitting system I have ever
experienced. And the price is right, way below Falcon.
>
> I saved in baggies with notes every single nasty bolt and part in the Lotus
> when I did the body-off. Didn't throw any out until it's rplacement was
> fitted and tested. I have never been sorry.
Yes, every nut, bolt, washer, screw is saved in zip-lock bags and labeled.
Some will be cleaned and re-used, others will just be put in the archives.
One thing I have learned over the years is never throw away a nut, bolt or
washer.
So far the only pieces that have made the trash are the exhaust system and the
3 radiator hoses.
I am even saving all the original rubber grommets, weather stripping etc. They
will never be used but may serve as some point of reference in the future.
I am also taking advantage of the use of digital photograhy, something I didnt
have back in the 60's and 70's when I did my first restorations. A picture is
worth what?
Thanks for your input.
Bob Labuz
1958 TR3A
1973 TR4
1974 T140V
1998 T-Bird T-3
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