‘32 B pickup Muffler

[Lenny Bruce]

Hello everyone hope your week is going well! Quick question… The ‘32 pickup I just bought has the 4cyl engine. The muffler on it sounds odd to me. Not a bad sound just different. We have two Model A’s and they sound leaps and bounds different then the truck yet the motors are basically the same… can it be the exhaust on the truck isn’t the correct one or do they sound that much different then the Model A? It’s kind of a deep airy sounding muffler. I have a spare model A exhaust but not sure it would bolt on the truck? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[DavidG]

The A muffler and B muffler, both in original form, do sound different and they are different in appearance and construction. You cannot use an A exhaust system as it simply won't fit starting at the end of the exhaust manifold where the A manifold outlet points straight down and the B manifold points down and back at about a 45 degree angle.

NOS B muffler/inlet pipe assemblies like that in the photo below are rarer than hen's teeth. The inlet pipe is reproduced, but a reproduction of the original muffler hasn't been available for decades.

If your exhaust system sounds airy, look for likely leaks where the inlet pipe is attached to the exhaust manifold (there should be a gasket there, same as on a Model A and readily available) and at both ends of the muffler (assuming that your truck does not have an original one-piece inlet pipe/muffler assembly).

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by DavidG

NOS B muffler/inlet pipe assemblies like that in the photo below are rarer than hen's teeth. The inlet pipe is reproduced, but a reproduction of the original muffler hasn't been available for decades.

[Lenny Bruce]

Thanks Pete I will look it over see what I come up with.

[Charlie Stephens]

The classic sound from the Model A comes from the muffler. You can put a Model A muffler on a 4 cylinder Chevy II engine and it will sound like a stock Model A. I am not sure what a Model A muffler would sound like with a late model V8. Dave is right about the complete muffler system not fitting from a Model A. If you plan on just replacing the muffler and not the pipe in your '32 with a Model A muffler that may be a problem. I tried putting a stock Model A muffler on my Model B roadster. It has been 50 years ago so I don't remember the details except it didn't fit. It may have been interference with the brake rods.

Charlie Stephens

[Lenny Bruce]

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Good to know thank you! I traced the “air” noise I’m hearing is coming from the air maze on the carburetor. When I rev the rpm’s it’s the air being sucked in. Like I said not a bad noise at all I’m just used to the Model A’s. Love this little truck and learning about it.

[DavidG]

If the air intake noise gets to you, you might consider finding an original '32-'34 4-cylinder dry air cleaner or the '32-'34 oil bath version, both shown below.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by DavidG

If the air intake noise gets to you, you might consider finding an original '32-'34 4-cylinder dry air cleaner or the '32-'34 oil bath version, both shown below.

[sugarmaker]

Lenny, folks,
A little bit of interest here, on this subject. Interesting that there are no "B" mufflers.
So on our truck I ran it for a little while with just no muffler. Then after that got annoying I inserted a thrush cherry bomb. Not much quieter but a little bit.
I did fab my own down pipe, by flaring a piece of std. Pipe to have a flange. I did not put in a gasket, but probably should have. Yep it's noisy! But it's better than nothing!
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[DavidG]

Chris,


Starting in 1933, the service muffler for the Bs and BBs is the same as the '33-'34 V8 passenger car/commercial vehicle muffler. Starting in 1935, the inlet pipe and muffler were serviced separately.

[sugarmaker]

David,
Thanks! I will get some points deducted for my ways! Looking forward to visiting with you next week at the Grand Nationals!
Regards,
Chris