The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1957 235 Truck Exhaust system?

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!

1957 3100 235 complete exhaust system

Rockauto.com
1957 CHEVROLET TRUCK 3.8L 235cid L6 :
Cooling System : Radiator Lower Hose
GOODYEAR Part # 52823
Radiator Coolant Hose; I.D. 1 3/4"; Length 23.50"
Flexible; Lower

Thanks for the info! Do I weld those pipes together on that Waldron setup? I wonder if they'd just sell me the flange pipe, then I could put custom muffler and tailpipes on it.

Also, I was looking for a preformed lower radiator hose, all the flex hoses I tried didn't seem to fit. Makes me wonder if maybe the radiator or water pump might not be original...


Edit: Looks like they have 0 in stock anyhow.

Hy VanattiWorkshop, the three pieces of the exhaust system tclederman gave you the link to, slip into one another, and are held in place by exhaust system clamps. you will have to buy some system hangers, but they should be available at your local F.L.A.P.S.. As to the lower rad hose, my Dayco book lists their p/n 70391, hope that helps.

Found the flange at a Napa store nearby, but they have to order it from Columbus, OH for 15$. Not too bad I guess.

I think I might just cut the rusted portions out of my current one, use that new flange, put a glasspak where the muffler is rusted out, and drive it to a muffler shop if I can find one.


As long as the exhaust pipe has that glasspack on it and is about 3-4 ft long, I shouldn't have to worry about cold air backfiring and warping my valves, right? Just for long enough to drive it to a muffler shop?

Hy VanattiWorkshop, I don't think you have to worry about warping your valves. I found some more hose numbers by crossing O.E.M. p/ns at the NAPA website
inlet hose p/n 3713897 equals Napa NBH7382
outlet hose p/n 3713898 equals Napa NBH7438
I'm giving you both numbers because the pictures of the parts seemed to be of the opposite hose, hope that helps.

Hose and flange from Napa both worked! The hose is actually wrong, even after cutting off about 3 inches from each inlet, the center section still crimps a bit. But, it's very minor so it will be fine once the system is under pressure. It only took 6 different tries, but I finally got that hose checked off the list. Hooray!