Sidepipe Cut-Outs?

big-boss · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 05:13 PM

To flange the cut-Out or not to Flange? That is the question.
What are the cool guys doing?

RodKnock · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 05:21 PM

If given the choice, then I would roll the edges. My Kirkham already were cut by Kirkham.

Igofastr · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 05:55 PM

I'm sure flanged cutouts would look great. Remeber that no body-engine-head-exhaust combination is the same. Most people with these cars end up doing some "adjusting" once things are mounted up. You'll likely have to take the exhaust apart quite a few times to get things just right.

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 06:04 PM

I believe "richsd" wrote on another thread some time ago that the original cars came with the edges rolled. Also, if the edges weren't rolled, the edges would become weak. However, I don't think that's the case with the Kirkhams since their aluminum bodies are thicker than the original. I'm sure some S/C cars came with them not rolled too. I defer to the experts on the board.

Blu427 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008, 10:26 AM

Hello,

Does the Kirkham cut outs come flared?

Cheers

RodKnock · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu427

Hello,

Does the Kirkham cut outs come flared?

Cheers

Kirkham does not floare their side exhaust cut outs.

Blu427 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 11:04 AM

Cheers for the information.
How easy is it to cut out the side pipe holes OR is this a best left to the factory . No going back if you over size on ali is my thought.

RodKnock · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 11:16 AM

Since I screw things up and have no cutting tools, so I let Kirkham do the cutting. Posters on this board have said many times that it's very easy to do and it saves you $500. I'm assuming the flaring takes much more talent than just plain cutting out holes with a template.

The Dreamer · #9 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 07:11 PM

The hardest part of cutting the holes is actually having the guts to cut. I made 3D templates of the headers to determine where to make the cut.

RedCSX1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 07:28 PM

Roll the edge like the original. You fit the exhaust to the opening. Not the other way around. If this is out of your comfort zone then there are some qualified body guys in the Fresno area who can do it for you.

big-boss · #11 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 08:42 PM

Well, it is done- I cut the holes. I did not flange them, Kirkham doesn't- they even said most Original 60"s cars did not roll them- who am I to mess with cobra Gods. Bottom line- one hell of alot easier to do that is for sure! They were easy: Just used Kirkhams templates started out small put the headers on trimmed them again. I just finished masaging them last night- I am very happy with them now. I fooled around with flanging them Bent a couple of inches. It does not work easy, I suspect that the thicker alum is the culpret and I was definetly going to need to do some welding- so again I thought I would make more mess than right. I originally wanted them flanged. I thought for the price of the option from the boys that they would have been flanged-nope. So I saved the dough-actually bought more options. I would say I have a total of 2 hours in the process. I will post pictures of completed work when I come back home this weekend. The pictures posted are the second trim job.

richsd · #12 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I believe "richsd" wrote on another thread some time ago that the original cars came with the edges rolled. Also, if the edges weren't rolled, the edges would become weak. However, I don't think that's the case with the Kirkhams since their aluminum bodies are thicker than the original. I'm sure some S/C cars came with them not rolled too. I defer to the experts on the board.

Yes. Original sidepipe cutouts had rolled edges. Also, the left and right side are not exactly the same. The driver side cutout is set back a bit further from the wheel well than the passenger side based on how the pipes come through when coming off of a 427 sideoiler. Kirkham will not roll the edges but the body strength should be fine, just not original. I asked Kirkham not to cut mine and had them done by my craftsman during the build.

Sorry for a delayed comment on this but I just am not spending time on this forum anymore. I just can't take it any more. The amount of inaccurate information and the love of strange cars with "Cobra" bodies just does not do it for me.