Decided its time to Vband my Hitech TBE. For no real reason other than to practise some TIG tube to flange welds. This is the rear muffler join. Simply cut off the standard flange and cleaned it up and started bashing in welds.

Im using 'Proflow' Quick release V-Bands, in 3in size. I choose these because the 'quick release' means you only have to unscrew the coupler a few threads, then you can un-hook the latch. Even quicker than regular Vband joins.

[img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/26710922834_b8d6638ec0_k.jpg[/img]

Nice weld.

Thanks mate. Im pretty happy with it for the limited skill i have. The compact TIG torch makes things easy to handle. And spending the time cleaning and prepping the mating surfaces before welding makes a big difference.

(And thats the good side of the pipe. You probably dont want to see the other side where i started at.)

Must fight urge to go to hack the rest of the exhaust up and Vband the EVERYTHING.


[img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/27286196166_bb79333be8_k.jpg[/img]

[img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/27222136122_427596491f_k.jpg[/img]

What happens to those threads after some serious heat cycles, rain and raid grime? Will you still be able to unlock them? Looks great.

[QUOTE=Kremer930;838639]What happens to those threads after some serious heat cycles, rain and raid grime? Will you still be able to unlock them? Looks great.[/QUOTE]

Yeah. No different than regular exhaust bolts. Only instead of 2 bolts per join (or 5 in the case of the subaru turbo/dump flange) there is only one. The threads are made with a little extra play between the nut and bolt. And made of stainless steel. So should be fine. Plus the V-bands arent particularily expensive to replace. They are standardised size. And you can buy them as complete kits or just the flanges or just the couplers. So even if 10yrs later i have trouble, it will be easy to replace.

Perfect. Get that welder warmed up....

To lovely mines all v band so worth the effort

using the Perth-WRX mobile app

Awesome welds man!! Maybe chuck some anti sieze on the thread?

[QUOTE=RUSSGT;838650]Awesome welds man!! Maybe chuck some anti sieze on the thread?[/QUOTE]

Thanks mate.

What do you think about the weld being a bit 'dull' looking. I was hoping it would be shiny like you see the pro welders pics online etc. Do you think because old stainless tube? Or not enough gas shielding / air exposure? Too much heat? Or nothing to worry about?