Here is the exhaust fitted and tacked.
I was welding the scraps from this together yesterday to dial in the settings, and was happy with the way working and how it looked. I was able to use the original rear hangers on the rear of the mufflers. I'll replace those with some reproductions and save the originals for another day.
I must admit, I think I created my own problem for welding it up. I was always in the habit of greasing the pipes at the joints so I could get them to sit just the way I wanted. Didn't even give it a thought

Today, the welder is poping a farting like hell wont have it. No adjustments made an improvement (no surprise).
I have a couple of ideas to move forward. Not excluding the idea of a local fellow who is one hell welder.....including TIG. I just may enlist the help of a professional to get the results I want.