Newbe requires 304 Exhaust

[cliveturner]

Hello

Well for my sins I have just purchased a 1974 304 Cabrio to restore.

So far so good but I noticed when taking the engine out that the rear section of the exhaust will need replacement when I put her back on the road next year.

Any thought on where I might source one?

Nest regards

Clive

[classicmfb]

The recent failure of my cabriolet's back box meant I had to look into the new exhaust options; full and part systems are available, both in mild steel and stainless.

I've bought two stainless systems in the past for (non-Peugeot) classics from a reputable 'top end' British manufacturer and, while the exhausts were well made, both had to be modified to fit my completely standard cars. I didn't feel inclined to find out whether it would be a case of third time lucky.

I quickly dismissed the cheaper manufacturers who make up stainless systems on the car from stock components as the one fitted to a friend's classic (also non-Peugeot) was of the 'near enough is good enough' variety.

That left mild steel as the way forward. I couldn't find a new old stock exhaust, so I ordered one that was manufactured in Italy for a German firm (they advertise on eBay). It wasn't cheap, but it was delivered on time, was well packaged and was reassuringly hefty. A word of warning is necessary; the system was clearly meant for the saloon or estate version despite being advertised as being suitable for a cabriolet. The tail pipe was far too long and, much more importantly, the rear bracket was in the wrong place (for a cabriolet) so it had to be cut off and welded on again nearer to the silencer, for which task I received a modest refund.

If you decide to order one of these systems - and I would emphasise that they look like they're built to last - do stress that you're buying for a cabriolet. Because the firm doesn't just supply the classic Peugeot market they're probably unfamiliar with the difference, I'd recommend helping with identification by giving them the measurement from the back of the silencer to the rear bracket, just to make sure.

Good luck with the restoration, by the way!

[nick67]

I've used the front and rear off ebay. I had the same problems with the tail pipe and rear bracket, but the local exhaust place just cut it off and welded it in right place. The front section is from a saloon/estate so it's a foot too long, but the garage just cut it and sleeved it. They've been on the car a couple of years now and done a few thousand miles with no visible deterioration (apart from paint near the manifold).