[dsraven]

it sounds like you will be on the hook for shipping the pipe back. maybe a quick trip or call to the muffler shop would give a cheaper result if they can simply reform the pipe. they would possibly have the correct hold down flange as well. try to find a muffler shop thats been around for awhile and has some seasoned veterans rather than young bucks, the seasoned fellas simply have more experience with older types of flanges and will know right away if it is a do-able re-work or not. I'm pretty sure my 58 had a donut style pipe connection. can't remember if my 57 had that or the flat flange with a gasket. I wasn't keeping the exhaust stuff due to going V8 or because the pipe was shot. it was more of a impact gun and get it off scenario anyway.