Hey all. Having some last few problems getting my truck ready to be started and ran. Admittedly a bit frustrated after a few days of google searching, but you guys always have the answers!
The original exhaust pipe is completely and utterly rusted through, so much so that I don't know what the original design was. The shop manual has a very small section on it, it looks like exhaust pipe, to muffler, to exhaust pipe to tail pipe, but I know nothing about exhaust systems beyond that.
My problem lies in the fact that the original bolted to the manifold via a pipe with a flange on it and two bolt holes. I've not been able to find a reliable and cheap place that sells this combination, whatsoever. I've gone through all my usual sites: Ecklers, LMC, Brothers, Advance, Rockauto, Tuckers, AmericanClassic and more. What's more, is I don't just need that connecting tip/flange pipe, I need the whole system. Do I have to buy a bunch of small pipes at Advance Auto and weld them together? There's not really any exhaust shops that I know of near me, so I'm going to have to do it myself and have no idea. I'm "decent" with a MIG welder if need be.
My other problem is the lower radiator hose. That thing is like the holy grail for this truck. LMC for example has the top and bottom hose for 1955s, and the top for 1957 L6 and 1957 V8, but not lower 1957 L6. Seems to be the only hose every store is missing! Ran into the same problem at Advance Auto, even tried 3 of their different flex hoses.
TL;DR I need a site that sells the 1957 L6 235 lower radiator hose and a 2 bolt exhaust flange with maybe the whole exhaust system or some pipes.
I could also use some advice on how to build an exhaust system for it since I've never done it.
Thanks for any and all help you can offer, I'm a total noob!
