RE: IML: 55 IMP exhaust pods

["Larry Allin" <lallin@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Many years ago, sometime late 70s, I undertook a pod reproduction project
for the now defunct IOCI.

The original pods are mostly made of stamped steel pieces, welded together.
Such construction wasn't feasible for replacement.  Perhaps small-scale
production has gotten easier and less expensive; but, the stamping tools and
assembly jigs were prohibitively expensive at the time.

I next pursued cast replacements and located a company that would make them
of red brass at a cost of $300 per pod, unfinished.  Final machining and
plating would have driven the total cost up to about $900-1000 per pair, in
'70s $$$.  At those prices, I could only find a dozen potential buyers but
needed a committment for at least 25 pair.  Also, the up-front cost was
beyond my means to finance, therefor prepayment was required  - not many
folks were interested.

If anybody undertakes such a project and can deliver an original-looking
pair for under $1500, I'll buy in.

----------------------------------------------
From: Cebuisle2@xxxxxxx


Hello

Although I'm not a metalurgist, I almost think the pods on the 55's could
be
re-cast in brass of bronze using the lost sand method, and then plated. Mine
are complete except the bottom portions where moisture hung out-replacing
the
 lost metal would probably involve welding in a radius of 20 degrees to the
existing round circle. I would try it if I had a spare-but every old one
I've
looked at was worse than mine- Has anyone else successfully had these
repaired?
There must be a bunch of 55 owners out there!

And yes, I forgot the Buick and Lincoln exhausts, which along with the Imps
and Cads also had these through-the-bumper exhausts. Beautiful idea-WHY
didn't
 they use stainless??


        TED




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