Anyone heard of them? Thinking I'll put a set on. I think they are kinda expensive. Should I buy to keep it as original as possible?

 

Oh yeah. They've been making OEM exact exhausts for years now. They're definitely not cheap.

As far as whether you should get them or not, it's really up to you how far you want to take the "exact from factory" stance. I think it's cool, although unless your showing the car, aside from peace of mind (i.e. that's what you want), it's not exactly necessary. However, with that said, getting the other reproductions to fit often take a bit of time and hence money. So, you have to wonder how much you're saving. It'll all depends on the rates around your area.

 

Thanks Tom,
She is so original I hate to put "just anything" under her. You had good advice.... Made me think. See you........

 

Good luck. Let us know how it goes if you go with them and take some pics. Even post a video on youtube of the sound. I'd be really interested to hear that.

 

In this case, you get what you pay for. The fit, finish and quality, in my opinion, were worth the extra money.

 

Well, I was so inspired that I went back to Gardner's website--which is now updated--it's really nice--and started looking at the '68 system again. So I gave them a call. After talking to the guy for a while--they're VERY helpful--I decided to go ahead and order a system.

Seeing as these are so easy to put together you can do it yourself, the price really wasn't bad at all..

So, in about 3 weeks time (they're specifically made to order), I should have a complete exhaust system coming my way. I even bought the concours kit, so it'll be 100% correct. I thought it was cool that you can get it with the trumpets included. They even weld them on exactly like the factory did and provided the correct sealant they used.

Really cool. I'm psyched.

 

Pretty sure thats the same company the guy who bought my 67 ElCamino used and had nothing but good things to say about them.

 

I think I'll go for it. I just have an original survior. Thanks all.

 

Talked with Eric today. They will be finished with my system and ship tomorrow. I can't wait. I'll get some pics as I have it installed. I'm so pumped!!!!!

 

I want their VOE system!!
It's only about one grand, but what the hey!

 

All I can say is "WOW" Well worth the money... for my Rag. They arrived in 3 weeks as described. Packaged as nothing I've recieved thru internet. Enough paper packing in two boxes to completely fill my garbage can. Everything packaged in plastic sealed bags, instructions, even a tag on one muffler that said "passangerside top" DUH... Eric and his dad have an excellent product for those of us who may not have a Show Car But love the best for them. I'm into preservation not restoration and definely not into show. JUST MY DRIVER...... Gardner Systems Rock!!!

 

Ok, I've never heard of them either. But reading through this thread, everyone seems to like them. Only one thing guys....WHY are they such a good system? All I've read is that they're expensive. Any practical experience? Kinda curious because my exhaust is as per factory. What would this Gardner exhaust do any different?

 

I bought my system from Gardner...Have yet to install it but it looks great and correct...especially the tail pipes which are pretty specific...only one guy does the tail pipes better ( Walt in New York)

A few years back I bought a system online from one of the big exhaust vendors...fit was not great....You get what you pay for

 

My reason for buying is that: The exhaust system is built to exact factory specs. Like Gardner says" If you have to cut, rebend, weld call them you're installing it wrong.....

 

What makes Walt so good?

 

I'd like to see pics of the trumpet fitment to the pipe and placement in the cut-out ...

plz ...

thank you ...

 

He only does 65 442 pipes...his tail pipes are better

 

I'll get a few pics tomorrow... Been raining here about 2 weeks...off and on... Excellent system. Fits as should.... AWESOME... Eric and his dad Tom do have it going on. Doesn't get ANY better than Gardner...

 

Scotty, Only 65 pipes.... What about all of us that don't 65's?

 

The system is pretty incredible looking. I'm really happy with it. However, one of my trumpets is on crooked. I need to call them. I figure I'm just going to drive it up to them once I get the car back here and have them fix it.


....well, just called. My tail pipe might just be in the exhaust crooked. We'll try twisting it first. If it doesn't work, then Tom said it's no problem and they'll get it corrected.

 

Rob, I think Waldron's Antique Exhaust is the company that reproduces the VOE, unless Gardner has started making it as well.

 

That's great. Glad you like it. As I said, mine looks awesome. Can't wait to hear it. What kind of tone does it have? Must be pretty cool to have the original sound as from the factory. If you can post a video, that'd be great.

 

No, he does '65, '66, and '67.
What makes him better? He's an Olds guy, not an exhaust guy. He started making the chambered tailpipes many (like 20 maybe?) years ago when *nobody* made them. He's not into making exhausts for all Olds, he was just out there filling a need, and he has done that quite well. *His* time, *his* investment, and *his* efforts have provided what nobody else could over the years. Exact to the originals.
I support Walt because he supports us!

 

Just everyone go to their website. Look for yourself. I'm very pleased. Google Gardner exhaust.. Sorry to bust your Buddle..My 1969 442 now has exhaust it was borned with along with p/p, bill of sale, storage and registration. I'm 3rd owner of a true sivior.

 

No bubble to burst here, I know where I'm at. Please read the posts carefully, my post was about Walt Valleunga and what he supplies, not Gardner.

 

Just Google Gardner DUDE..Walt must be daddy in law......

 

I don't need to Google Gardner, SIR. I've been familiar with them long before you knew they existed.
Walt is not *my* daddy in law and deserves a lot more respect than you are giving him.
If you care to take it up with me, I have a private message inbox.

 

I'd like to hear about Walt, but with all due repect to everyone involved, this thread is supposed to be about Gardners' exhaust. If you'd like to start another thread, I'd like to learn more. Thanks

 

Chill WMACHINE.... He may be very good. He only did early cutlass 442's, 64,65,66,67. I'm talking about the real 4-4-2, 68-71. Completely different car...body...frame... EHAUST...Sorry if I ruffled your Ohio feathers. Just sounds like he never fabricated anything after 67. DUDE I'm here to learn and make friends.

 

...

 

Back to post. I'm completely satisfied with my new system. We have a cruise, once a month. It's going to be tomorrow. I'll post pics of my system. Again Sorry if I got off topic. Ohio Rocks

 

I have heard only good things about Gardner as well. I am curious if anyone knows who carries replica factory mufflers? I tried Gardner but they only sell the complete system, which I don't need...currently.

 

Real 442s?

 

That '65 looks pretty real to me........beautiful! Sorry to butt in!

 

Yeah, well, we know better.....

 

I take offense to the "he only did 65-67 pipes" comment. Only did?? Like it was so easy to get GMs original prints and make a chamber tail pipe from scratch. No one was making those pipes when Walt decided to do it. He didnt do it to make a buck, Lord knows 65-67 442s are not on everyones list to restore. He did it so the true lovers of the cars would have the correct pipes for their cars. Walt will sell you whatever you need, unlike Gardner who only sells complete kits.

 

Everybody, please take a breath, wait a while, then come back and post on this thread, or not. Remember, we all love Oldsmobile and it can be easy to misunderstand the intent of someone's post by simply reading the words and not hearing the voice. Let's be nice...

 

Where is Walt located in N.Y. ?

 

I believe Walt is in Michigan.
waltvallelunga@yahoo.com

 

I thought he was in N.Y. ?