Goldenpony

Well, I am having to deal with something I didn't expect to have to. When I bought my new 2006 GT convertible, I wanted to upgrade the exhaust sound, but didn't want the dreaded cabin drone. Seemed the only way to go was Corsa axelbacks. Got them (pretty pricey) and put them on-I was in love. Sound was awesome and zero drone.
Play forward about 10 years. I expected the Corsas to last the life of my car, made of 304 stainless. Driving a few days ago and noticed the exhaust was a bit louder than it should be. Put the car on the lift and found the ends of the inlet pipes that clamped onto the intermediate pipe were both rusted away, along with the clamps. One of the main reasons I bought Corsa was the lifetime warranty.
Called Corsa and the guy wanted the original proof of purchase. Now call me silly, but I couldn't find the receipt for mufflers I bought 10 years ago. Hell, I don't keep papers for the IRS that long. To make matters worse, I don't even remember who I bought them from. Anyway, he is going to see what he can do for me, he's talking a discount on a new set. A new set of Corsas is like $800-$900. So, I am waiting to hear back.
Spoke with the guy that does most of the work on my car I don't want to do. We decided the end could be cut off the inlet pipe, a 2.5" to 2.5" coupling slipped on and all clamped together. The rest of the mufflers are in good shape. As I said, I will give Corsa a chance to make it right, and if not-I'll fix it myself.

bstang14

300 series SS does not rust. 400 series does. Are you sure they are 304?

I should say should not rust although some 300 series is more corrosion resistant than others. I believe 316 has molybdenum where 304 does not which adds to its anti corrosive properties.

Goldenpony

Corsa wouldn't do anything for me. They offered a very small discount on a new set, (Discounted price:$700). I told them never mind. I'll fix them myself. Took them to a top notch exhaust shop. They're going to cut the bad inlets off, and weld a new stainless piece on. Luckily, the pipes are straight , so it should be an easy fix. I love my Corsas, but I won't buy anything else from them. I thought they'd work with me, but no joy.

bstang14

Love my corsas as well. Now I will keep an eye on them.

GO07GT

That's a shame to hear that they rusted. Mine still look new, but I bought mine used, so if something happens to mine, I can't do anything about it. You can't really blame them as far as you not producing proof of purchase. All stores have some sort of policy. How do they know you didn't buy them used? They did offer a discount at least. Again, sorry to hear and I hope you get them straightened out

Goldenpony

Whenever I buy something, I ALWAYS register the warranty, either by sending in the warranty card, or online. I don't remember there being a registration on my Corsas, but that was 10 years ago. I am guessing there wasn't registration back then, because if there was, I would have done it. I just wish I could have remembered who I bought them from. I have bought a lot of stuff for my 'Stang since I bought it. I called a bunch of places I might have bought them from, but several places records only went back to 2009.
Oh well, I'l just screwed. Hopefully they can be repaired. The rest of the mufflers are still in good shape. If I can get new pieces of pipe welded on, I think they will continue to work fine.

GO07GT

Wow that looks worse than I thought. Now you got me about to go crawl under my car to look at mine

Goldenpony

I got a nice email this morning from Corsa regarding my axelback mufflers. The gentleman said he couldn't "Warranty" my mufflers, but would replace them for Customer Satisfaction/Good Will.
I am very impressed. What a great company. I will buy from them again.

GO07GT

Great to hear!

jz78817

the thing about stainless steel is that it's "stainless" until you weld it. stainless steel resists rust by incorporating enough chromium where a thin layer of chromium oxide forms on the surface of the part and "seals" it. if the chromium falls out of solution at the weld joint, the weld itself will rust.