Practically Classics Forum

Guys, this is going to sound odd. Stay with me I promise I am not mad!!!

So as you may remember I am restoring my 1971 DS420 Hearse. (Daimler, but Jaguar running gear as standard). There is a backfire rip in the rear left silencer box. I have fixed what I believe is the cause, but it still leaves a flap of metal that needs fixing. I had planned to weld it up. I will be fitting a new custom exhaust in the future, so I just needed to bodge it.

Now this is going to sound nuts but the two rear boxes appear to be Ali ? I never thought you could have Ali boxes? I suspect Ali because there is no rust, but plenty of white powder like Ali corrosion (does not look like stainless). I have yet to try to stick a magnet to it.

I am well aware motorbikes have Ali boxes, but on the back of an old Jag. Anyone else have Ali rear boxes?

More likely a decent quality galvanised box....get the magnet out.

Aluminium coating is/was commonly used on exhaust boxes by Jaguar and Volvo - there were probably more too - primarily as an anti corrosion measure but also to dissipate heat more effectively.
If you go to Quick fit or similar for a new exhaust, the non OEM exhaust will probably be a painted mild steel item that will not last as long.

Wicksy wrote:Aluminium coating is/was commonly used on exhaust boxes by Jaguar and Volvo - there were probably more too - primarily as an anti corrosion measure but also to dissipate heat more effectively.
If you go to Quick fit or similar for a new exhaust, the non OEM exhaust will probably be a painted mild steel item that will not last as long.

Cheers guys. Issue resolved.

Apparently its called "aluminised steel" and it stops the mild steel rusting. Its fine to weld, so i will just wear my normal breathing mask and it will crackle a bit!

As I will be making a full custom exhaust so, i will just bodge this up!