Heat Exchangers, can any maintenance be done? (YES: updated) Options

[malcolm2]

I am preparing to send Dr Evil a patient, my crunchy, grindy trans. I decide to remove the exhaust and the HEs to give me some room.

The HEs are complete, but they do have some loose rusty areas. Mainly at the fan end. Even a hole in one where the axle dimple is. The welds on both ends are loose or broken. I am probably losing some heat efficiency. if there is such a thing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Is there anything that I can do while the trans is gone to close up some holes and tighten up the seams?

I found some repair tape made for this sort of thing. I used another similar product on my 85 VW Cabriolet. I cut up a coke can and patched the hole, then wrapped it in the heat sensitive material. Once the muffler got hot it all sealed up.

Anyone do anything to these old exhausts and HEs? dealing with a '75 BTW.

Thanks,

Clark