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Date:         Sun, 9 Jan 2000 14:23:32 EST
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: exhaust brace how to:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Please excuse previous incomplete e-mail.

< In a message dated 1/9/00 8:44:50 AM, schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET writes:

I DID make my exhaust braces out of electrical conduit >

Vanagoneers seem to have a penchant for electrical conduit which, I assume, they mean the EMT (electrical metallic tubing) variety. While EMT is widely used in residential and commercial (not industrial) electrical systems, it should not be hung under a vehicle. The very mechanical properties which make EMT conducive to its designated application, i.e., as a light duty electrical raceway, also make it unsuitable for any structural purpose. EMT lacks the stiffness and toughness that is required; it's made of a flabby material. While the VW exhaust bracketry is not made of gold, it is most likely made of chrome-moly steel.

I have used 316 stainless steel, 1/2 X .065 tubing whenever I have needed to fabricate a replacement exhaust bracket. The .065 wall seems to make for a component that is as stiff as the original and the 316 ss is certainly tough enough.

EMT is cheap and readily available, two attributes which have nothing to do with its suitability for this purpose. If you are going to go to all the trouble to fabricate these parts, why not use the best material for the job. It's like having a pair of boots made up and telling the bootmaker to use vinyl. Rich


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