Oxy'ing underneath the car

[bush_basha]

As the title states I'm wondering if anyone has used oxy acetylene underneath there car.
I have a bent exhaust from hitting something on the road and it's right at the end of the headers and cat flange and thinking about straightening it with the oxy but worried the heat will end in tears for me.

I know exhaust places cut with oxy and weld under there but that's relatively quick compared to getting it red hot for a long period.

I'm leaning towards no as I'm worried but just wondering if anyone has actually done it safely?

Thanks

[IJ.]

I wouldn't, I'd drop the damaged pipes and repair it off the car..

[lmoengnr]

Always be careful using a 'blue tongue spanner' around a vehicle.

[bush_basha]

I wouldn't, I'd drop the damaged pipes and repair it off the car..

That was my original thought but it's the whole exhaust that has to come off and be rejoined because it's right at the flange. I think it'd be a massive headache without a hoist and another person as of course it's the drivers side. I'll just have to wait until I build the motivation I guess, lol

Always be careful using a 'blue tongue spanner' around a vehicle.

Yeh I know could end very badly, lol

[IJ.]

Too many flammable things on the other side of the .9mm sheetmetal floor pan, when I do the AWD conversions I have to weld a couple of brackets to the Trans tunnel, to do this I have to remove the seat and pull up the carpet then remove the body deadener where I'll weld on the other side as once it get's hot enough it will catch fire..

[Thunder]

A muffler fitter has lots of experience with an oxy, and it is much easier on a hoist, and with pressurised water handy - just in case.
The pipes can be heated and bent as long as it is away from flammable materials and materials that will melt or burn, like plastic or rubber.
When the extractors are bolted to the engine they are solid, so it is easier to move the pipes that way.
Off the car is more difficult, and you don't know whether you have bent them enough, or too much until they are refitted.
If you don't do it properly though, you could make a mess of the pipes, so it is best to leave it to an experienced tradesman.

[Micks]

Agree with IJ & Greg you need an XP hand in these newer cars, probably would have got away in an old HQ etc. Don't reckon it would cost you too much for a Pro to sort it!

[bush_basha]

I agree that it would be a risk hence the question, but it's not like this is my first time using an oxy I use it for work every now and then.
I've also seen some of the workmanship you get from some exhaust places, lol.

[Blown 454 AWD]

Back in the old days (1971) when I started my time at the Local Holden dealer,

mufflers those days had a mix of aluminium in the steel to stop corrossion (kind helped)

the big however was they were a right fuk to weld, mig WTF's a mig (didn't have them then)

so all was oxy act. so many times under a car with cow shit dripping on you (country town)

and we did all with oxy act. if we had to do what you're refering to, we'd slip a sheet of panell

steel between the pipe / weld and the body, this was enough to stop heat sink into the body causing flame

There was the odd fire from some of the boys however, you must pay attention and this won't happen.

If shit smokes badly you may have to check it?

Cheers

Steve

[bush_basha]

That was my thought stick a sheet and possible fire proof blacket between to help not sure how much room I have between tho

[Micks]

That was my thought stick a sheet and possible fire proof blacket between to help not sure how much room I have between tho

Another good trick is a few layers of thick villa board or Hardie flex.

[bush_basha]

Oh yeh sweet, ta

[Woodchukka]

What I have found is that if you are thinking something might go bad then err on the side of caution. How may times I have done something and stood back after it did not quite go to plan and said I knew that was going to happen . You'd think I'd learn.

The fact you are considering the consequences will save you from burning your car to the ground. Can it be done yes. Can something go wrong, yes. Can you come up with a plan to eliminate or close to any negative consequences most likely. If you secure something to take the heat load away from the floor pan you should be ok. Just have a backup plan in place in case the worst occurs. Also use an appropriately sized tip to minimise as much stray heat as possible.

[bush_basha]

What I have found is that if you are thinking something might go bad then err on the side of caution. How may times I have done something and stood back after it did not quite go to plan and said I knew that was going to happen . You'd think I'd learn.

The fact you are considering the consequences will save you from burning your car to the ground. Can it be done yes. Can something go wrong, yes. Can you come up with a plan to eliminate or close to any negative consequences most likely. If you secure something to take the heat load away from the floor pan you should be ok. Just have a backup plan in place in case the worst occurs. Also use an appropriately sized tip to minimise as much stray heat as possible.

Good point, however your starting to sound like working in the mines, take 5's, jsa's etc lol. I don't miss them at all

[Woodchukka]

Good point, however your starting to sound like working in the mines, take 5's, jsa's etc lol. I don't miss them at all

Yep that is where I work. Yeah the paperwork can be comprehensive to say the least. Have to admit I have taken on the safety aspect of the role.