AV8tor,

I converted a couple of the inexpensive ($14) Homelite "box" style mufflers just like yours. I had some hydraulic steel tubing for the exhausts so my tubing, the same size as yours is steel. I braized the tubing in place. I made no smoke provisions.

Sometimes these box mufflers come with a black finish and sometimes they have a (silver) cadium finish. The black one will braze ok but on the silver ones, the silver finish will need to be completely removed from the welding areas (I used a rotary wire brush) to get your brass to stick to it. If you are good at it, very little brazing metal can be used and be almost unnoticeable. It'll all turn black with use anyway.

Enjoy,

Jim