muffler repair

One of the things on my "to do"list was to repair the muffler. I needed to get the truck inspected and we didn't think it would pass in the condition it was in. So, yesterday I got out the cold-weld stuff my husband told me about and got to my task. It was actually kind of fun...and cooler under the truck. The dogs must have thought so too because they joined me. :)

I got out all my supplies. Read the instructions. I had everything except the gloves, but I needed to forge ahead. I figured I would just be careful not to touch it. So...mix Bottle A with Bottle B...stir for 3 minutes. Add powdered aggregate to achieve desired consistency. Hmmm. What consistency do I want for this job?? Start out thinner, add more if necessary. The kit included a short paint stirrer kind of thing. That is how I am going to apply it...I think. :) Here is what the muffler looked like before:
So I started applying it all around the edges to seal the crack. Then, I would press in the strips of fiberglass tape I had pre-cut. All the while trying to do this with that awkward paint paddle. Well, the stuff started heating up which took me by surprise so I figured it was going to begin to harden...I better hurry. Finally, I ditched the paint paddle and started using my fingers. Bad I know. I applied a coat on top of the fiberglass to keep it in place.

Here is what it looked like when I was finished:

Now...here is what happened. I let it cure all day and all night. I decided this morning I would take it in for the inspection. We looked at it before we left and it was solid just like the directions said it should be. When we were almost there - like I could see the mechanic's sign - I heard the muffler get really loud. Silas said "I think it came apart!" I had to agree. Just then I sensed the Lord prompting me that nothing happens without it going through Him first. Because of that, I could have peace. We proceeded to the garage even though part of me wanted to pull in somewhere and look. The mechanic inspected it right then and there, passed it! and only charged me $12! I am so thankful. We will take care of the muffler as soon as Drew gets back but until then, at least it is legal. :)