Exhaust expander.

[Vitesse_6]

Hi all.
I posted another thread about welding Aluminized exhaust tube, Ive gat what I need, But now I was curious about different tube expanders, Ive seen some in the $130.00 range and the same brand and type for $50.00, Are there and expanders better than another?
Here is a link for one type I found.
I have already destroyed a HF $7.00 expander, It didnt even expand the tube more than a few millimeters ....
Anyone have any experience?
Thanks

 

[sixty]

I have no experience with expanders, but when i did the exhaust on my 60 i did all butt welds and it was pretty easy. The cuts only needed to be within 1/8" and the weld filled the gap. I used collector flanges wherever i wanted a joint to be removable. I get the feeling a mechanical expander would be far more trouble than it is worth.

 

[cruiser88]

Every one I ever used broke............Then I learned to heat the pipe first.

My HF one has held up ever sense

 

[Vitesse_6]

Every one I ever used broke............Then I learned to heat the pipe first.

My HF one has held up ever sense

Good thinking, Im going to bag the whole making my own exhaust and take it to a shop, I may pay more but I wont need to worry about it.
Thanks for the info guys

 

[cruiser88]

I cannot say I blame you.....I hate exhaust work

Good thinking, Im going to bag the whole making my own exhaust and take it to a shop, I may pay more but I wont need to worry about it.
Thanks for the info guys

 

[cruiser88]

Certain things was out of my comfort zone until the last couple of years when I went back to school and could not afford a shop to say here...take over. I must give my sick father in law credit for all the teachings in the last couple of years.

Just for future info to folks that are having the same issues as the po.


Get to your vice, fnd a smaller piece of pipe or something solid to fit inside of your exhaust pipe to keep it from crushing when you put it in a vise...if need be

Now my father in law using torches for everything which I can do but its so easy to mess up so I use Mapp gas or propane.


Once in the vice place the expander in the pipe get it tight and start with the heat...360 degrees of course and right before it starts turning colors.....red if not SOONER give it a turn....let cool some then repeat.

 

[Vitesse_6]

Im back on BABY!

I just had a thought about heating it up, Lucky for me my wife makes glass beads and her kiln is in the garage

FWIW, I have a HF pipe bender, exhaust tube, Mufflers and a welder, So with the kiln, I may giverago again!
Back to HF for another stretcher

I will give it one more try, Im trying to finish it up so I can run the Rubicon in Aug/Sept.

 

[cruiser88]

practice on a piece you do not need first

Im back on BABY!

I just had a thought about heating it up, Lucky for me my wife makes glass beads and her kiln is in the garage

FWIW, I have a HF pipe bender, exhaust tube, Mufflers and a welder, So with the kiln, I may giverago again!
Back to HF for another stretcher

I will give it one more try, Im trying to finish it up so I can run the Rubicon in Aug/Sept.