DSS replica downpipes

[taysidedragon]

I've been buying parts as I've been going along with my rebuild. My plan was to buy a set of DSS replica downpipes as one of the last items. I noticed recently that they aren't listed on their website anymore. Initially thought that they'd be listed again when re-stocked so I've been keeping an eye on the website, but no luck.
I emailed DSS today to find out what the story is. Apparently they've had problems with sets not fitting so they had a new batch made and had the same problem.
Result is - replica downpipes withdrawn from sale until DSS are happy with the fit. 

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Sorry about that but not surprised by it glad I bought 2 sets 4 or 5 years ago getting old cant remember now.
Cheers
Bitsa

[Clem2112]

DSS supplied me with these when I got my OE Honda collector/header some 4 years ago.

They fitted on ok but were not quite right as they wouldn't quite sit in line when you look along the side.... You need to see a full genuine system to compare....

Also, the No 3 bends were slightly out on mine so the gap to the adjacent pipes was off..... See an original setup to compare .

Don't forget....they are not double skinned, so will tarnish near the head quicker the other two.

Spent a small fortune on getting the rare NOS items, re-chroming one of these in the process.

[Drew400]

Hmmm, thanks for the tip off.

I have a set of DS pipes in my house awaiting completion of the engine rebuild. I will call DS to find out what the problem is before I take them out of their lovely plastic wrapping!

Still got the oringinals of course, but a bit tatty and I'm told costly to renovate/re-chrome.

Oh joy...

D.

[Drew400]

I rang DS this morning for details of the problem.

(Adding to Clem's comments): Apparently the middle two pipes can touch... not a good look on this most iconic feature of these bikes!

DS will take back any faulty systems. I will now approach this (dare I say, relatively simple) task with extra caution.

Cheers all,

D.

[Clem2112]

interesting...

 I "dry" fitted my DSS headers to the system on the kitchen floor. I could see the gaps and general line up was likely not as good as it should be. As you say, no's 2 and 3 almost touching.

I rang DSS at the time - the young guy at the other end said they'd had no complaints about the fit up. Was a bit peeved having spent several hundred quid with them too!

This problem seems strange to me... I got mine in 2010 and the problem remained for 4 years 
NC pipe benders have been around for years and once a program is proven, the repeatability should be good. An inspection fixture readily shows if a pipe is wrong -  make one using an OE pipe and also keep a master to check the fixture !
I'd like to know more about the way these were made.

[AshimotoK0]

I did agree a few weeks back to get together a list of questions from us collectively to ask DS directly (as he requested when he joined us on here early this year). Been away so not done it yet, remiss of me I know, but everyone please remind me about the questions we have:-

He is now in the final stages of getting CB72 / 77 pipes re-manufactured BTW, which he displayed at Stafford.

From what I remember:-

1) Progress on replica HM341 and 500/4 pipes
2) Bad bonding  / fit of pattern brake shoes.
3) Reminder about problem with aftermarket 750K0 fork stanchions
4) Fit of 400/4 replica pipes.
5) Supply of Yamiya seats/covers  (already addressed).

Cheers ... AshD

Started another post!

[kenny1059]

Hmmmm. I wonder what the downpipes that Wemoto sell are like,to fit.

  Kenny.

[ted_paper]

Hmmmm. I wonder what the downpipes that Wemoto sell are like,to fit.

  Kenny.

I got mine from Wemoto and had the same problems - not quite lining up etc. To be fair to Wemoto, after a couple of photos were email, the pipes were collected and replaced in double quick time.
Makes you wonder if they all come from the same supplier...

[kenny1059]

Yeah, I was wondering if they were from the same supplier.

  Kenny.

[Drew400]

Given this thread, I'd now like to get a quote for having my original Honda header pipes rechromed. I could then attach them to the DS collector box and silencer (I think).

Anyone got any ideas, tips or recommendations for getting this work done (or at least quoted for!)?

Thank you,

D.

[tom400f]

Drew - aren't the down pipes all separate on the DS ones? On the genuine Honda 1 and 3 are integral with the collector so not sure what you mean.

[Drew400]

They are indeed and so a 'little' repair welding will be required, hence the seeking of tips here and potential contacts in the industry.

My Honda collector box is knackered and probably unrepairable, but I'll take along the whole lot to someone who knows what they're doing.

That said, I have yet to try dry fitting the DS parts so all this is conjecture/planning at present.

Cheers,

D.

[matthewmosse]

If you find someone willing to re chrome used exhausts, let us know. I asked around a few times, always got told it was a no go due to risk of contamination of the chroming tanks.
Cheers
Matt

[AshimotoK0]

If you find someone willing to re chrome used exhausts, let us know. I asked around a few times, always got told it was a no go due to risk of contamination of the chroming tanks.
Cheers
Matt

Matt .... A fellow CB250K0 restorer I know called Chris had his 250 pipes re-chromed for 35GBP each (very rough parts to start with).

I also met another 250k restorer I know well, at Stafford called Rob who has also used them with good results.

http://www.classicsandchrome.co.uk/1.html

Here are Chris's   comments:

"I used Classic & Chrome for my chroming and they charged me £35 each for the down pipes. I pre-soaked them in caustic soda for a week, although he would have preferred longer. (ask for Dave)".

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Here is Chris's CB250K0  bike 'as found'  and all of the parts in the above pic are from this! pretty incredible really:

CHEERS ... AshD


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