How to build stock exhaust system

[evalladom]

I am restoring some old kits which are missing the stock exhaust system. Does anybody have tips on what is best to use for the tubes? Something that allows me to do the multiple bends.

[crazyjim]

Aluminum rod or solder.

[Ace-Garageguy]

The absolute #1 BEST material I've found for exhaust system work so far is 4043 aluminum TIG welding rod in the correct scale-diameter. I use 0.093" rod to represent about 2.5 inch exhaust tubing in 1/25 scale, for instance.

It's paintable, doesn't go dull like solder, has no lead content like solder (if that matters to you), holds its shape perfectly when bent, doesn't collapse like tubing, and looks polished like stainless or chrome. Sand it with 600 grit wet paper and it looks like un-polished stainless. Sand it with 400 wet and prime with a self-etching primer for best paint adhesion.

[evalladom]

Thank you guys for your answers. Where do you get the TIG welding rod?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Try finding a local welding-supply store in the phone book or online. In smaller towns, VERY well-stocked hardware stores and body-shop supply stores may have it. A good body shop might have it too (though there's still not a lot of aluminum welding in body shops), or a welding and fabrication shop. Since you'll only need a couple of sticks for many car models, any of these will probably be glad to help you out.