DIY Hooker sidepipe heatshields for ~$100

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Apr 27, 2005 | 10:55 PM

#21

MYBAD79

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 54

From: Orlando Florida

St. Jude Donor '05

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidepipes79

How did you go about cutting the tube in half.

great job !! How did you cut it so clean over 36" length ?

Apr 28, 2005 | 06:55 AM

#22

PatsLs1vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 9,622

Likes: 16

From: absecon nj

I usually dont care for covers,but man they are sweet,you did an outstanding job on those.

Apr 28, 2005 | 09:38 AM

#23

CGGorman

Thread Starter

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 20,216

Likes: 4

From: Smile, it's just the internet.

To make the line straight and parallel to the tube centerline, I laid the tube on a flat table and then got my 4' level and set it next to the tube so that they touched. I used the level as a straight edge and marked a line with a Sharpie. I then marked off the opposite side at half the circumferenc, or 6.28" (for a 4" OD tube, circumference is 12.5664". Formula for calculating is 2x3.1415xradius) and used the level again as a simple straight edge.

Cutting was done with a pneumatic cut-off tool, by hand. It's not as perfect as it looks, but the cut edges aren't as visible as you'd think once the shield is mounted.

I would have rather cut it on my table saw, but it was burried under other unfinished projects and I didn't have a suitable blade. I've never had much luck getting a bandsaw to make cuts like this without the tube twisting (like a spiral) as I cut.

It's not as hard as it sounds...really!

Apr 28, 2005 | 10:33 PM

#24

ICEMAN59

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,360

Likes: 0

From: COVINGTON LA

I am a mechanical contractor by trade, I build Ice plants, chemical refrigeration packages, etc. from the frame up and I must say you did an execllent job on those.

Apr 30, 2005 | 10:40 AM

#25

Buzzardz_vette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 2,045

Likes: 4

From: Yorktown VA

NCM Sinkhole Donor

Weld vs Bolts

I found something the works better than having to bolt on the brackets. It's called Ultrafuse and it can be used to repair/weld aluminum. No welding experience is needed, only a propane torch. Just heat the area you want to weld and apply the ultrafuse just like applying solder. Then you don't have to worry about drilling holes into the shield.

Apr 30, 2005 | 10:46 AM

#26

Red73

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 3,050

Likes: 9

From: Fairport NY

I'm not a big fan of shields on the Hooker side pipes. Those are the best looking ones that I've seen. Rod

Apr 30, 2005 | 10:53 AM

#27

corvettecris

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,100

Likes: 2

From: Charlotte NC

ThaT isthe coolest DIY i have seen in a while! Looks awsome!

May 10, 2005 | 10:25 AM

#28

CGGorman

Thread Starter

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 20,216

Likes: 4

From: Smile, it's just the internet.

Got a chance to drive the car this weekend for the first time since I installed the shields. They get good-n-warm. Hot enough to let you know you're touching them, but not hot enough to blister...unless you react really slow. I'd say they maintain about 150 degrees.

Some time I may bend up new brackets with a .375" stand off instead of the .250". I don't think I'm getting enough air under the shields...