HOW TO....Scratchbuild Mufflers

There are many ways you can create Mufflers, but the big question is "is it too big?"

Here is my writeup on how to create mufflers without going overboard on size, or making it too small.

Tools/Supplies
- 1 piece of 5/32" stylene tube
- 1 piece of 7/32" stylene tube
- Modeling glue
- Round and flat files (or sandpaper)
- 1/8" drill bit or hobby knife
- Wire cutter or tube cutter (to slice pipes)
- Marker
- Silver (or other preffered) paint
- Bottle of patience and time

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/397719DSC00973.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/973304DSC00938.jpg

When you take the tubes out of the pakage and lay them next to each other, it should look something like this:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/926881DSC00941.jpg

The 5/32" tube should easily fit right into the 7/32" tube,

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/884572DSC00946.jpg

But as you can see, the border between the "outer" and "inner" hole of the 5/32' tube is large, and dosen't really look realistic,

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/325026DSC00950.jpg

So by using the 1/8" drill bit by either hand or a dremel on it's LOWEST speed, drill it through, to widen the "inner" hole, or you can use a hobby knife to carve it, just make sure you carve evenly.
Then you use the round file to smoothen things out, it's hard to tell from the pic, but the hold did come larger.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/587281DSC00961.jpg

Then you want to cut the desired length for the inner tube (5/32"), for this example, it was cut to about 13/16". I also cut the outer tube (7/32") about 11/16' leaving about 1/8" for the tip, but remember, it's going to VARY from car to car.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/880107DSC00962.jpg

And remeber to smoothen out the parts you just cut with a file, or sandpaper.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/985457DSC00963.jpg

Remeber that the inner tube has to be longer.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/946179DSC00966.jpg

Now you can test fit the two pieces, making the back flush, if it's a little too long, you can file it, etc.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/135918DSC00971.jpg

Now, you want to glue down the two pieces, do this using your prefferd glue.
*NOTE+TIP* Apply the glue on the inside of the 7/32" tube and insert the inner tube 5/32" back end first, and rotate the 5/32" tube so glue touches almost every spot.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/733797DSC00972.jpg

Let that dry, then paint it with your preffered color (Silver/Chrome, Carbon-fiber, Fire-red. etc)
*TIP* While painting, avoid breathing in any paint fumes, for this is a health hazard!:bloated:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/620756DSC00975.jpg

After you let the paint dry, after waiting a long time, take a good look at it! Because now you're done with the muffler! Congrats too you, now all you have to do is make the exhaust pipes!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/831903DSC00977.jpg

Here is mock up pics on a supra! (I'll dry to get less blury pics, it's the lighting!)

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/803220DSC00992.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/522831DSC00993.jpg

As you see from the pics, it's not too big, or too small, it's what I call perfect!

Great how to.The exhaust looks perfect.

Cool tip(no pun intended) i know i will be trying this very soon :)








:apoke:

nice, i like them!

We've got two kinds of how-to build mufflers threads.


Integra 14's mufflers are very cool, this one seems to be more not as exaggerated or that big or agressive, WHATEVER. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by bah humbug
We've got two kinds of how-to build mufflers threads.


Integra 14's mufflers are very cool, this one seems to be more not as exaggerated or that big or agressive, WHATEVER. :rolleyes:

geez, settle down. he WANTED his to be not so big, so they were to scale.

Malcolm, those look awesome! i'm going to have to give it a shot. right now i'm trying to figure out a method with a couple of metal pipes i picked up. btw, you have the same Supra kit as i do.

Originally posted by S13_Iketani


geez, settle down. he WANTED his to be not so big, so they were to scale.

Malcolm, those look awesome! i'm going to have to give it a shot. right now i'm trying to figure out a method with a couple of metal pipes i picked up. btw, you have the same Supra kit as i do.

Sorry, you didn't understand what I meant. I said WHATEVER because I couldn't find the right thing I wanted to say.

Excellent job. It is quite like the way i discovered, yet instead of using strene, i used a pen. But with a pen, the exhaust is HUGE! I even carve out the tip, just like the styrene. Here is a pic, and a diagram:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/17764313.jpg

:eek: Honoturtle, that looks awsome compared to the ones made with straws floating around here. I'll definately be using this when I make my third ITR. Ryan, that pipe would be HUGE! Maybe for a riced out mack truck?? Just kidding, but it'd still be huge.

Nice work Malcolm, I'll try that next time :)

Good to see you back too,where've you been?

that looks really great, i think i will have to try that out! thanks!

Ryan, that pipe would be HUGE! Maybe for a riced out mack truck?? Just kidding, but it'd still be huge.

LMAO! No, it isn't that big, but its large. Its maybe a lil smaller than the exhaust on Subway's Top Secret Supra.

Ryan, do you have a pic of it on a model?? I could see it 1/18 as alright, but on a 1/24???

Excellent how to:)

The only thing i do differently and which u may like to try, is using Aluminium tube for the tip. Theres no better way to make something look like metal other than using metal;)

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/6547992003_0108_003803AA.jpg

why would i want to build my own mufflers when i could get Shorty to build them for me using your tutorial??????????? :flipa:

Thanks for the comments guys,

Toksin, I've been at a program we have here called Robotics, it's still kinda going..... We have a competition in San Jose Calif. at the end of March, any of you ever heard on this?

Chris, that's a good idea! If you look in the background of some pics, I have a 5/32" hollow aluminum tube I was playing with, and when you polish it, dang!
Pics for Metal tubing,

Using a tubeing cutter to keep everything even,
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/325587DSC00995.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/152316DSC00996.jpg

You can use a dremel, but at higher speeds, it'll heat up.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/798250DSC01006.jpg

Thanks for the tip Chris! Now I can have real metal tips!
BTW, what size tubing do you use?

Not sure what sizes they are to be honest. I just have an assortment and pick out whatever is best.

What type of glue is best for adhering metal to plastic? I have an idea for a custom driveshaft and want to explore a few options before damaging good materials.

Thanx

I use 5-minute epoxy or gel superglue to adhere the metal tubes inside my styrene tubes. Just whichever one I have on my desk. The only problem with the expoxy is it stinks like lord knows what and doesn't dry as quickly.

As for the picture you attached, what was the point?

My username should explain it, no? :D

Actually, it's a reference for one of my Subaru models I'm currently working on. I plan to make a driveshaft, axles, and complete exhaust from aluminum tubing rather than using the plastic pieces in the kit. I've done custom exhausts and roll cages with styrene but, I always want to try different things. So, thanks for the tip, appreciate it.

E

Originally posted by Honoturtle
There are many ways you can create Mufflers, but the big question is "is it too big?"

Here is my writeup on how to create mufflers without going overboard on size, or making it too small.

Tools/Supplies
- 1 piece of 5/32" stylene tube
- 1 piece of 7/32" stylene tube



Could somebody tell me please what that is in the metric system?

Actually, those turn out to b pretty small. Me and my friend Shorty built a few and they turned out small compared to our models. Maybe a size or two bigger could look better?

Originally posted by Snooker


Could somebody tell me please what that is in the metric system?

5/32 = 3.969 mm

7/32 = 5.556 mm

but it will probably still be in imperial sizes as the styrene comes mainly from imperial type places

Thanks, tazdev.

Originally posted by MR-2RaCeR
Actually, those turn out to b pretty small. Me and my friend Shorty built a few and they turned out small compared to our models. Maybe a size or two bigger could look better?
It all depends on your taste and car. I prefer to have the tip that isn't much larger than my exhaust pipes (1/8"), because I really don't see the point in having a huge tip with small pipes. The sizes I shown lean toward the "performance" side, rather than "show." But like I said, it's going to vary in your taste of mufflers, etc. because I have a friend that has a muffler with the stock pipes and headers, I really don't see the point? :confused: Is it just for the sound?!?

Some people do that just for show, others for sound. It makes other people think your car is all fixed up.

Performance :eek7:
we are still talking about model cars right

LMAO 'Performance :eek7:'

where can i get some of these styrene tubes in Aus?????

i have made my own barrel mufflers out of Lego but they look pretty crap.

i want some of those Fujimi metal ones or better yet, make my own like in this thread.
Any suggestions on where to get metal pipes for this??

would a hardware shop be any good??

i would want the 1/24th equivilent of about 4 - 5"
mufflers.

.
i want some of those Fujimi metal ones or better yet, make my own like in this thread.
Any suggestions on where to get metal pipes for this??

would a hardware shop be any good??

i would want the 1/24th equivilent of about 4 - 5"
mufflers.
Making them yourself is quite easy. It's amazing on all the things you can do with these styrene tubes! Check your LHS that sell materials for those display trains, and you can probably end up with both styrene and metal tubing.

- Here's an easy way to tell the size of things.
X = Unit you are seeking
1:1 inch measure x 1/24 = X

ex. 4" x 1/24 = approx. 0.167" tubing (Your best bet is probably 5/32" being 0.156")

4.5" x 1/24 = 0.1875" tubing (Get 6/32" tubing)

5" x 1/24 = approx. 0.208" tubing (Try for 7/32" for appox. 0.219")

If you can find tubing measured in 64th of an inch, your better off getting the correct size, but these numbers shouldn't be too off. If anything, just eyeball it! ;)

Thats real nice. ill be tryin that this week without a doubt!

Good how to, i am deffinatly going to use it to build the exhaust on my car that i am getting saturday.

This thread is great, However these are all can mufflers any thoughts on how to do the larger mufflers like the HKS drager or SP the cylindrical ones?http://www.mvpmotorsports.com/Merchant/hks_sprdrag.gif

I've made my own muffler for my Peugeot 205 GTi 1:18 project, it's completely aluminum:

http://members.home.nl/stevenl/uitlaat.jpg

http://members.home.nl/stevenl/uitlaatpijp.jpg

Steven.

interesting... give us more update pics later on after you finish the kit. gotta look mean

interesting... give us more update pics later on after you finish the kit. gotta look mean

Check out my thread for updates :iceslolan
My thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=238952)