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Once again I'm indebted to the FAQ for helping me through my first exhaust job. Thought I would post the results in case useful to others.
Both mufflers, the pipe joining them and the tailpipe needed replacement. Pressed for time (emissions inspection due tomorrow), I got a Midas estimate: $462. That's over $300 in parts, $130 in labor and the rest in the usual trimmings.
No thanks. I went to Advance and got the parts for $180 on a one-day order. They are Walker parts, made in USA and Canada, lifetime muffler warranty (from what I read in faq, I'll be using that).
-Backed the car up the wheel ramps, which gave enough access.
-Dremel with cutting wheel made quick work of the forward clamp, then split the overlaying muffler pipe horizontally in two places and peeled it back like a banana, as in faq.* That freed the parts needing replacement.
-New parts fit together well except pipe would not slip over one muffler collar. Some quick, careful work with the belt sander on the collar and I was in business.
-Everything else came together nicely. The rear muffler was not marked for air flow direction, unlike the one that came off, and both ends seemed the same. I hope it doesn't matter which end goes which way.
-Reused the rubber hangers.
-Returned the $26 pipe-cutting tool unopened, since Dremel did all the hard work, and took son for pizza instead.
Done in less than an hour and all seems tight and quiet. I know some recommend higher end parts but this seemed like the right quick fix, with no time to order from the usual places. Thanks Brickboard.
*Technically, my son did this.
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