Dented Exhaust

[yamahammerFJ]

Howdy all, I've been in the process of trying to resolve an eBay transaction where I received a SuperTrapp exhaust that the seller rated as "cosmetically an 8/10." I received a SuperTrapp that was in decent shape (at the can, at least) but had the classic dented pipes at the bottom. The dents aren't as bad as the ones on the system it was supposed to replace, but the bigger problem is the daylight I can see where the collector and header meet, as well as the haphazard wire welding slag someone used to try and patch a few holes. I still sent positive feedback but left him 3/5 on the description because he never mentioned the dents. I'm not interested in shipping this thing back to him, but the jerk isn't responding to my requests to leave positive feedback in return (he seems to be salty about the 3/5 I left him). You'd think he could at least leave a guy some feedback.

Here's some pics. Can this be massaged back into shape, or did I waste my money?

[UJMrider]

I've heard of people filling  the dented pipe with water and then freezing it - seriously.

Another option is to weld a small bolt on and use a slide hammer to pull it out, helps to heat the metal.

Or you could always weld in some new pipe, it appears the collector needs repair anyway, that might be worth considering too.

It's going to take a fair amount of work to fix that header, is it worth it, I am the wrong one to ask.

Here is how I look at it - Worst case,  it gets messed up beyond repair - but something valuable will be learned in the process, and that value is hard to measure.

[racerman_27410]

i would say that header is worth fixing .... especially since they are no longer available ANYWHERE!

a good custom muffler shop (that does stainless steel exhausts) should be able to fab up a quality repair on it.


Kookaloo!

[yamahammerFJ]

Hopefully it is repairable. I really wanted a D&D system but didn't have enough $$$ for a new one. However, had I seen the dents in the pics, I would have probably passed on purchasing this exhaust.

[lawson]

There is a supertrapp on ebay right now.   Type in "fj1200 exhaust" on ebay.  It doesn't look any better than what you have - but it will probably go cheap - if someones looking for system - 18 hours left.  The header you have will run fine - its just cosmetic and an easy repair.  Get a 1/16 cutoff wheel and cut down the center of the flatten area - parallel to the pipe and then cross cut at the end of damaged area where undamaged begins.  Cut will look like a long short "H".  Put a socket on a extension with a universal adapter between scket and extension and run it down pipe turning it with racket also lightly tapping with hammer and increase socket sizes as pipe releases itself and starts to take reshape.  Then take to welder and he will weld gap across cuts and if done properly you can grind welds smooth and repolish - it could be a nondetectable repair from outside.     

[yamahammerFJ]

I saw that system, lawson. Note how that auction shows all the imperfections plain as day!

There appears to be a welding shop and a custom motorcycle shop stationed right next to one another down the road from me. Payday is coming up, so I'll check in and see what this might run me. I don't have access to a cutoff wheel, nor can my shitty little air compressor run one.

[Dan Filetti]

I don't have access to a cutoff wheel, nor can my shitty little air compressor run one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-sheet-metal-shear-92148.html $25.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-95578.html  $15.00

For light duty, occasional use, these are fine and cheap, and surprisingly versatile.  That is if you're looking to acquire...

BTW, you'd think that they'd be low quality and fragile but I have beat the hell out of my similar 4" angle grinder and it just keeps going...  Well worth the $20. I impulsively spent on it.

Dan

[carsick]

Hey wait a minute, that looks like my Supertrapp system- I'd better check if it's missing. It must be bad, the cat looks worried! Interested to hear about the repair, I need to undertake similar action on mine.
Doug

[yamahammerFJ]

Well, I got response(s) from him, and I think I will be sending it back. I found a rather large crack in the header pipe atop the collector. The seller tried to pass it off as an auction for a complete exhaust, then sent me a message stating it was an auction for the pipe, with the header thrown in for free. As you can see, that's not what it says in the description:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200515559247&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_699wt_1165

He offered to take it back and give me a refund, so I'm going to just say the hell with it and put the money toward a nice new D&D system. Thanks for the comments, people. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for someone else to undertake a SuperTrapp resurrection.

[markmartin]

Sorry to hear you got taken.  And the blatant extortion in his post: "Due to Ebay's new seller rules. We will leave positive feedback when it is left for us."  What an asshole.

[yamahammerFJ]

I just have had a bad taste in my mouth about this deal for a few weeks now, but am relieved that he'll take it back.

Now I just have to decide which D&D canister to get with the Show & Go system...

[yamahammerFJ]

This guy is starting to chap my ass. He's been making me wait the last couple weeks for him to finish racing and get back home, and now is trying to weasel out of refunding my entire purchase price. He sent me some sob story about how his son has a broken leg now. I'm already paying another $20 to ship this thing back to him and he's whining about his eBay fees and such, still trying to make a few bucks off me. One more smart ass email reply and I'm just going to let eBay solve the dispute. I certainly hope he is not a member here. Avoid this seller (1144diane) at all costs!

[simi_ed]

Watch out for Ebay's time limits.  He may drag it out long enough for Ebay to wash their hands entirely

[Yamifj1200]

If you have any dispute with the seller let Ebay help you. I had only had to use them a couple of times over the years, but they can help make the seller do whats right.. You should make the seller pay for the return shipping since the item was not as it was represented.. Contact Ebay as soon as you can to get the ball rolling...

Eric M

[yamahammerFJ]

Thanks guys, I opened the case today. I've lost my patience with this assmonkey.