I tried searching but I cannot find any threads. Where would I purchase a chrome sleeve to cover the tailpipe? Anyone have pics of one installed?

here is one link. I found it on google. "chrome exhaust tip"
Let us know if you get one:D
http://www.gibsonperformance.com/tips.asp

http://www.burtmanindustries.com/images/prodimages/arm_tailg_chrm.jpg

Thanks for the replies. I checked Burtman's site but he seems only to have the whole exhaust system. I also checked the other link and they sent me to Summit racing. There seems to be a good stock of these things around but I have to measure the diameter and length of the stock exhuast pipe before I buy.

The one thing I am concerned about is getting a pip long enough so it looks good with the bend that is on the OEM pipe. They come in lengths of 8", 12" and 18" from Gibson anyway.

Mine came with the Gibson exhaust system.

Your local autoparts place or muffler shop should have some on hands. That's what I did before I got my exhaust system, went to a local muffler place and had them put on a SS tip for $20.

Your local autoparts place or muffler shop should have some on hands. That's what I did before I got my exhaust system, went to a local muffler place and had them put on a SS tip for $20.

That seems like a good bet. As long as it doesn't rust I don't care who makes it. Also, the clamp one is fine. Do you have any pics of yours?

I put this in a previous thread:

I bought mine at Advance Auto Parts - they had 2 different styles - it was like 30 bucks or so. Walmart had a few the other day as well. Although they normally carry the smaller pipes. I think my tip has a 3" or 4" inlet and is fastened with 3 bolts.

I originally bought one from Pilot but it got trashed over the winter and I upgraded to one from 3A Racing. I will see if I can find pics.

Here is a link to one webpage - I got model AAA-62-2417 or 2419 I think.

http://www.australianauto.com.au/HTM...Exhaust_01.htm

I ended up going to a shop in the Bronx (bad idea) and had them weld on one they had in stock. The OEM tailpipe is 3" in diameter so I was looking for a tail pipe that had a 3" inlet and a 3.5" outlet. Unfortunately, the pipes that they had were too long but for some stupid reason I told them to go ahead with it. They had to cut the inlet so it didn't stick out too far so basically I have a 3.5 pipe welded onto my 3" pipe.

It doesn't look bad from the top, but if you see it from behind it looks stupid. So basically I have to get a new pipe and I am out $65. I have made more expensive mistakes before. :rolleyes:

I made sure they didn't cut the stock exhaust so the pipe can be unwelded.

(The pics are in the dark and the pipe is dirty)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_133_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_134_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_135_full.jpg

Not Looking Too Bad..where in BX,YOU GOT IT DONE....

It looks good.:cool:

You are too kind. This is what is driving me crazy:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_136_full.jpg

You only really notice it from behind if you are far enough away though. I don't think I can live with it.

Not Looking Too Bad..where in BX,YOU GOT IT DONE....

Not sure of the place but I can find out if you want. What I was not happy about was the pipe should have been rotated 1/2" so the angled cut-off on the end of it was more strait. Not sure if I am making myself clear.

You are too kind. This is what is driving me crazy:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_136_full.jpg

I see, couldn't he fill the gap with weld?

I see, couldn't he fill the gap with weld?

Probably, but again, this is why you don't get this stuff done in a shop in the Bronx :p

I am just going to eat it and get a pipe of the correct length (12" - 14" should work fine) with a 3" inlet, 3.5" outlet, and rolled on the end rather than strait.

The only problem is all the other pipes that fit that description I saw have a brand name stamped on it. I want it to look OEM.

Probably, but again, this is why you don't get this stuff done in a shop in the Bronx :p

I am just going to eat it and get a pipe of the correct length (12" - 14" should work fine) with a 3" inlet, 3.5" outlet, and rolled on the end rather than strait.

The only problem is all the other pipes that fit that description I saw have a brand name stamped on it. I want it to look OEM.

Mine has a brand name engraved on it, and does not look that bad at all.

Mine has a brand name engraved on it, and does not look that bad at all.


I wanted to stay away from anything ricey like the "3R Racing" one I saw (or what ever it said. I also didn't want to put on a Flowmaster / Gibson without having the full exahust system (I would feel like I'm saying I have something I don't).

Do you have a picture of yours?

This is what I am looking for but without the logo and weld on:

http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/products/images/15363_ztn.jpg

I wanted to stay away from anything ricey like the "3R Racing" one I saw (or what ever it said. I also didn't want to put on a Flowmaster / Gibson without having the full exahust system (I would feel like I'm saying I have something I don't).

Do you have a picture of yours?

It looks exactly like this one, link from burtman industeris.

http://www.burtmanindustries.com/gallery.php?id=arm_tail_chrome

It looks exactly like this one, link from burtman industeris.

http://www.burtmanindustries.com/gallery.php?id=arm_tail_chrome

I remember Jason explaining that he tried to block out the date on that pic and ended up erasing some of the exhaust. Funny, the part where it connects is exactly what I wanted to see - but it is gone :mad:

I remember Jason explaining that he tried to block out the date on that pic and ended up erasing some of the exhaust. Funny, the part where it connects is exactly what I wanted to see - but it is gone :mad:

ok, as soon as I get back from the dealer I'll take a picture and post it.:cool:

ok, as soon as I get back from the dealer I'll take a picture and post it.:cool:

Cool, thanks. I e-mailed the seller from eBay to see if he had a tip that fit my requirements.

I remember Jason explaining that he tried to block out the date on that pic and ended up erasing some of the exhaust. Funny, the part where it connects is exactly what I wanted to see - but it is gone :mad:

The Armada you see is actually mine. When I'm able to, maybe this weekend, I can take a better picture and post it if you like. It is welded on but not all the way around, there are some gaps, but they are not noticeable because the tip is long. Almost to the curve.

The Armada you see is actually mine. When I'm able to, maybe this weekend, I can take a better picture and post it if you like. It is welded on but not all the way around, there are some gaps, but they are not noticeable because the tip is long. Almost to the curve.

That would be awesome - thanks. Is the weld not all the way around because the inlet for your pipe is larger than the 3" stock pipe? I would be fine with a gap towards the front of the truck - as long as I don't see it.

You are too kind. This is what is driving me crazy:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_136_full.jpg

You only really notice it from behind if you are far enough away though. I don't think I can live with it.

My Fault, Could not see Gaps then...Now I understand what You saying...I am Looking to add a Tip also but looking for the one that screws on...Nothing permanent will be getting a full Muffler system soon..:)

My Fault, Could not see Gaps then...Now I understand what You saying...I am Looking to add a Tip also but looking for the one that screws on...Nothing permanent will be getting a full Muffler system soon..:)


Well, this is not permanent (hopefully). The guy at the shop said it can be easily un-welded.

here is one link. I found it on google. "chrome exhaust tip"
Let us know if you get one:D
http://www.gibsonperformance.com/tips.asp

I can get you guys any of these.

Here a couple of pictures of my Gibson exhaust tip, as you can see I did not clean it.:D

I can get you guys any of these.

I'll send you a PM.

Here a couple of pictures of my Gibson exhaust tip, as you can see I did not clean it.:D

Thanks for the pics. Looking at yours I would be fine with a bolt on. I like the sleeve type with only one bolt.

How much was that?

Thanks for the pics. Looking at yours I would be fine with a bolt on. I like the sleeve type with only one bolt.

How much was that?

It came with the exhaust system, but you can purchase the tip from Gibson website ( razzlee provided). but am sure mine is bigger than stock and won't fit on the stock tip, am not sure if they have the stock size though,

http://www.gibsonperformance.com/tips.asp

I spoke with a guy from Summit Racing (they carry a ton of these tips). The guy told me that stainless steel should only be welded to stainless steel. I asked how to tell if my exhaust was stainless and he told me to hold a magnet to it - if it sticks is not, if it will not stick it is.

Well the guy at the shop never mentioned anything about this. Has anyone ever heard of this issue? For just a tip (that is fitting over like a sleeve) there are really no concerns about leaks - I just don't want it to fall off.

The pipe that I have on now (which is stainless) seems to be holding fine at the weld. I just don't want it to fall of in a few years. If that might happen, I would just as soon get the bolt on.

I know guys that have alum piping with welded stainless tips, and it doesn't matter. And these are on 1960's muscle cars that get taken to the track on a regular basis. :)

I know guys that have alum piping with welded stainless tips, and it doesn't matter. And these are on 1960's muscle cars that get taken to the track on a regular basis. :)

Good to know. I think I'll just get this one at Summit for $20.

SPTA97 - Ouch man - I just read your comment on my tail pipe. I don't think it looks ricey at all. Here is a quick pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/misc152.jpg

Not "ricey" at all!:thumbup:

SPTA97 - Ouch man - I just read your comment on my tail pipe. I don't think it looks ricey at all. Here is a quick pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/misc152.jpg
So where can I get one like yours?

SPTA97 - Ouch man - I just read your comment on my tail pipe. I don't think it looks ricey at all. Here is a quick pic:

No offence intended. I think the pipe looks great, but when I was at the store and I saw the "3RRacing" engraved in it (or what ever it said) it reminded me of the "TypeR" that I see on all these Honda Civics. The pipe looks awesome, I just didn't like the import-flavor of the name.

Sorry if I offended, your pipe looks great.

Ok, so I got my summit racing pipe for $20 and had it put on today. I love the pipe but unfortunately the previous weld makes it look a little sloppy. Granted, most people won't be looking under the truck but it still bothers me. The guy who put this one on said I should be careful when I asked him if I could grind it down - he said the pipe might leak. For now I'll leave it. I'm also happy that they put it on correctly - meaning that the slash cut is orientated properly with the ground:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_137_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_138_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_139_full.jpg

Looks real good.:)

I would clean up the welds with a wire brush staying clear of the chrome then tape the chrome and spray the area using silver high temp paint. :)

I would clean up the welds with a wire brush staying clear of the chrome then tape the chrome and spray the area using silver high temp paint. :)

That is an excellent idea. However, I don't think that a wire brush will take off the weld - according to the last mechanic he said the weld is tougher than the pipe! Dare I get in there with the angle grinder? I think I happen to have high-temp silver paint on hand :)

Yeah it really does look great!

Only a Club Armada member would notice! :rolleyes:

Ok, so I got my summit racing pipe for $20 and had it put on today. I love the pipe but unfortunately the previous weld makes it look a little sloppy. Granted, most people won't be looking under the truck but it still bothers me. The guy who put this one on said I should be careful when I asked him if I could grind it down - he said the pipe might leak. For now I'll leave it. I'm also happy that they put it on correctly - meaning that the slash cut is orientated properly with the ground:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_137_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_138_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_139_full.jpg

I see what you mean, that guy for sure he jacked it up, but couldn't this guy, pull the tip further up to hide the weld?

I see what you mean, that guy for sure he jacked it up, but couldn't this guy, pull the tip further up to hide the weld?

That's what I asked him to do but he said no. Not sure why, but I did ask. I'm hoping grinding + paint will take care of it. The bummer of it is that had I just found this pipe first it only would have cost me $40 for the whole thing.

That's what I asked him to do but he said no. Not sure why, but I did ask. I'm hoping grinding + paint will take care of it. The bummer of it is that had I just found this pipe first it only would have cost me $40 for the whole thing.
That kinda sucks. I think we all have made purchases like this! Hind sight is a motha!

That kinda sucks. I think we all have made purchases like this! Hind sight is a motha!

Hopfully it won't be in vein - perhaps another Armada owner can learn from my mistakes :D

That's what I asked him to do but he said no. Not sure why, but I did ask. I'm hoping grinding + paint will take care of it. The bummer of it is that had I just found this pipe first it only would have cost me $40 for the whole thing.

You couldn't find any bolt on?

Hopfully it won't be in vein - perhaps another Armada owner can learn from my mistakes :D
We here usually do learn from the experience of others, good and bad!

You couldn't find any bolt on?

The bolt ons I saw either had the name of a company (which I didn't want) or one of those ugly bolt systems - like three on the outside. I wanted to get one that had one of the bolts on the side that tightened from the inside but all the ones I saw had a company name on it.

SPTA97 - No problem at all - your final pipe looks good. I would just hit it with the paint. I painted my pipe flat black except for the tip which (IMO) looks good. I can't tell from your pic if it has a straight cutoff or a slight bevel. I bought the one from 3A or 3R and it has a bevel which I like. For those looking to buy a tip, the Pilot brand can be installed upside down to hide the brandname. My current tip by 3R obviously could not be turned upside down due to the angled cut. However, I seriously doubt many people notice the label. I like my current tip and think it is BIG improvement over factory. It's all good.

SPTA97 - No problem at all - your final pipe looks good. I would just hit it with the paint. I painted my pipe flat black except for the tip which (IMO) looks good. I can't tell from your pic if it has a straight cutoff or a slight bevel. I bought the one from 3A or 3R and it has a bevel which I like. For those looking to buy a tip, the Pilot brand can be installed upside down to hide the brandname. My current tip by 3R obviously could not be turned upside down due to the angled cut. However, I seriously doubt many people notice the label. I like my current tip and think it is BIG improvement over factory. It's all good.

:)

Mine has the bevel so it is basically the same exact tip as yours without the branding.

Do you have a pic of the painted pipe? I was thinking silver but black sounds intereresting.

No. I will try to get one....I know I have a few scratches in paint...that is why silver might be preferred...but I went with black because the Pilot tip was already pre-painted black at the mounting end. Painting my exhaust pipe black helped blend it. I would have preferred to have a welded tip but the current tip works. I also noticed that your welded tip covers more of the pipe - so you have less area to paint.

No. I will try to get one....I know I have a few scratches in paint...that is why silver might be preferred...but I went with black because the Pilot tip was already pre-painted black at the mounting end. Painting my exhaust pipe black helped blend it. I would have preferred to have a welded tip but the current tip works. I also noticed that your welded tip covers more of the pipe - so you have less area to paint.

Cool. My tip is 12" long. I actually wanted one that was 14" but the next size was 18" and that was way too long - it would have hit pedestrians on the sidewalk - lol.

If I could do it all over again I would have not gotten the weld-on pipe. Both places I took it to were pretty sloppy with the weld (as you can see from the pics). Perhaps if I went to a high-end shop they may have done a better job but you don't know until it is too late.

I hate relying on other people to do work for me - very few meet my exacting OCD standards :D

I washed my rig tonight to snap some photos. I was bummed to see that some of the black paint had chipped off the pipe. I shot it with the high heat paint again. This is my 3R Racing pipe. I agree it is not as conservative as the QX56 chrome tip but I don't think it is over the top. I think it dresses it up and gives a more aggressive look to match the truck. I will say that another good thing about the 3R design - It does a good job of hiding the factory pipe underneath from side view. With the Pilot tip I had before I could see the factory pipe so it was more obvious it was a bolt on. Hope that makes sense to all. Here are some pics from different angles including before and after repaint.

showing label:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/tailpipelabel.jpg

b4 paint:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/piperear_b4paint.jpg

after repaint:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/tailpipe_afterpaint.jpg

final shot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/bostonbob/Armada1/sideviewpipe.jpg

Nice, has an aggressive look to it.:cool:

Nice. Did you prep the pipe before you painted? I don't want mine to flake off when I do paint it so I wonder what preperation would be required?

Damn, that does look good and adds to the vehicle. Definitely not over the top!:thumbup:

I did not really prep it. I may have hit it with a wire brush to get any dirt off. It looked great when I first painted it - real smooth. The truth is, I think most of those scratches occurred when I installed the pipes. The scratches develop over time from road sand, etc. I just spray it again when I am in the mood. No need to mask off. I have probably resprayed that area 3 or 4 times. Still looks better than stock to me.

Would undercoating spray withstand the heat of the exhaust pipe? That won't be knocked off if it can take the heat.