Exhaust clamps for FLD120

Just bought an 04 FLD120 classic heavy spec truck and I have an exhaust part question. It came with 2 new stacks so I decided to put them on. No big deal. One muffler was getting on, so I decided to take it off. I had one sent out from NAPA and I called Freightliner to get some of the rubber/steel bumpers and one of the clamp parts that the hoop goes through and the bumpers mount to. They sent the cab bracket instead. The guy took the rusted one back and then called to say that there are none of the correct parts available in the country. WTF? And, they are doing some process to see when one will get made. Cost is 90$. Another wtf? I can't believe that people don't need these parts, and that they don't have them anywhere, so does the ridiculous price scare people off to another source? I looked real quick online at some of the chrome sources but didn't see one. Thanks

 

I think it will be easier to weld a 5" flat guillotine clamp to some flat stock to accept the bumpers and allow it to be bolted to the cab bracket. Still can't believe I can't just buy one from Freightliner. Just getting over changing from my PETE for spec reasons, and although I'm very impressed with my truck so far, I could ALWAYS buy ANY exhaust part I needed from Peterbilt, and have it the next day.

 

I tried another area dealer. He was less money, but same story--none available. Calling back in the morning to get the part number. I don't seem to be able to find it on line, or to find any sources for the part.

 

Well, when he sent the cab brackets he didn't get it right, but he went back with the old rusted part I need replaced. Both Freightliner dealers in my area have the same answer: that part is not available anywhere in their network. They are doing this "critical" thing and I'll know on Monday what the timeline is for new stock to come in. By then, I'll have made one. I bought the bumpers and all new bolts when I ordered this mystery part, so it's a shame this is such a hassle, and a new muffler got so complicated. Good thing the truck is awesome.

 

The part number is 04-21696-000