Cracks on new Headers

[Cable Guy]

I recently bought a new set of headers and when they arrived there were cracks on the tubing and the finish looked terrible. 

Returned those headers and received a second set. The finish looked ok on the second set however there were still cracks at some of the weld locations.

Called the vendor and was told that is normal due to the severe bends in the tubbing and had nothing to do with the welds.

These are from a very well known vendor, so I was surprised to hear this is normal and will not be an issue.

Besides just looking like crap anyone else have this kind of issues with their headers?

 

[Richard h]

More looks to me as an undercut weld that was ground down then a crack.

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

Those aren't cracks.  That's a weld seam.

 

[Cable Guy]

That's what I told the Tech from Gibson. These are welds that did not get properly welded and ground before plating.

From what I can remember in welding class back in high school, cracks like that also meant poor penetration

I'm guessing these will be cracked through after the first couple trips.

He insured me they were not the welds and are stress points from the severe bends.

His title did say Tech and Sales Support. Maybe leaning a little more towards the Sales side?

 

[Sausage450r]

Those arent cracks they are just bad post weld grinds. Shouldnt need a grind if the quality of the weld was there. I never condone grinding a weld in a tube thats .065 thick. 

Its seems like you are looking for 2500$ worth of quality with a budget header

Dont buy chinese junk. Send them back and call hothead headers @juggernaut. All these companies selling 500$ headers with their name on them are selling chinese garbage. Spend the $ for quality and support american businesses that actually build with american materials and workers. 

 

[chopshop]

Might be my eyes , but they look consistent in the same spots of bend . Sure the not die marks from when tubes are bent ? 

 

[Sausage450r]

Might be my eyes , but they look consistent in the same spots of bend . Sure the not die marks from when tubes are bent ? 

Positive. Only been doing this every day for 22 years.  They are weld joints at “tangent” (where bend ends and straight begins. The primaries aren’t one solid tube with multiple bends. That is extremely complex and big $$

 

[Cable Guy]

I was under the impression Gibson Headers were American made headers?

They have the USA/Flag Emblem all over their home page.

After receiving these headers, maybe there just sold here and built somewhere else.