GT 380 Exhaust Repair/Re-Chrome

[grumpy56]

Hello All. Latest project is a 1972 GT380 built from parts. Getting close to the end, after 3 years!!! Have a pretty nice set of exhaust pipes, but they will need re-chroming, Found one place here in SoCal but $1600!!! YIKES. I also have a few small dents. Anyone know someone who repairs them? All I could find is one place in the UK and don't want to go through the shipping hassle. The one dent I can get through from the end since it is before the last baffle plate. Pushed in out with a small hammer, better but not as good as I'd like. Other dents are smaller, but not accessible from the inside unless you split the pipes. Anyways, any suggestions/guidance is appreciated.

[jabcb]

New aftermarket expansion chambers is a good alternative.
Later GT380 models have redesigned exhaust & frame for improved cornering, so you need to be careful when selecting alternatives. You should make sure you know what you are getting before buying an aftermarket exhaust.

My 72 GT380 has later-model Higgspeed stainless steel 3-into-3 expansion chambers. Made adapter links out of aluminum bar & a modified side stand. Worked out rather nicely. More info is here: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=13036&start=0

A list of options is here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14375

[grumpy56]

Appreciate the info and will check it out. ! The pipes I have are early J/K units as the center stand stops are on the center pipes (later models had them on the upper pipes). I would prefer to keep the stock pipes, but not certain where to go at this point.

[jabcb]

The front drum brake on the 72 GT380 is pretty lame. It’s the same as the T350’s, which is a much lighter bike.
A 72 GT550/GT750 4LS front brake is a huge upgrade that’s an easy install if you are lucky enough to score one.

[grumpy56]

I didn't know the better 550/750 units would mount up. The brakes on my 350 were marginal at best and as you say will be even worse on this 380. Won't be venturing too far from home on it though, so hopefully will be OK.

Where in SW PA are you from? I went to school at PSU Fayette, but haven't been there since 1976. Did alot of riding there back then,

[jabcb]

I didn’t expect the 4LS to fit the 72 GT380. Had mine on the lift when it occurred to me to give it a try.

The T350 front drum is often pretty bad because of lack of maintenance. Properly lubricated + new modern shoes goes a long way.
Have not tried it, but having the shoes arced to match the drums helps a lot.

I’m a bit east of Pittsburgh.