I have a flexible exhaust (right side) manifold on a 53 straight 8 that has a half dollar size piece broken out of the bell joint end. The piece is missing. Can this be welded to repair or what? Larrysfireengine

Your "flexible" description is confusing. The 1953 straight 8 exhaust manifold is as common as they get for a Buick. 1939-52 series 40 and 50 will also fit.

Your exhaust manifold should be cast iron, and if the piece was not missing it could probably be fixed. If you had to, you could probably take a piece from another exhaust manifold, fit and weld it in, but it would probably be better to find a good used one. Ebay would be a good place to watch, (there isn't one there tonight! If you go to ebay, please consider going there throught the links on this site, we get credit)

I too am curious about this "flexible exhaust manifold". It's obviously not original, so can you tell us more about it or post some pics?

I have a manifold for a 51 straight eight, it has a few small cracks. It worked fine while it was on but I rebuilt and found a nice one, like new, and replaced it. If you need it let me know. Also MFT also known as Empire Motors manufactures manifolds, as least that's what they advertise in a few mags. Stay away! They got my money last April, told me 3-5 weeks, and I don't think I will ever see any thing from them. I found out they have done this to many others. The problem I've found with used, exhaust manifolds for straight eights is they all tend to be twisted and cracked. I found one like new and I hear this guy has a few more. If Interested, let me know I'll check. There are welders that can mend cast iron with luck, in some cases. ~T~

heres how i feel on the subject, firstly, i know nothing of flexy manifolds, (unless its one of those repairs where an exhaust pip on a bike cracks so you cut it off and jb weld some flexi pipe onto it) anyway, is there anyway youd be able to weld it without stopping the flexibility in the exhaust i say go for it, if that cant happen i say get the manifold in the position you want and weld it how its gonna be