'69 D300 exhaust manifold/ down tube
 

Hello Dodgers !

This connection doesn't look right for obvious reasons. (see pics) huge gap..... the flange on the down tube appears to be larger than on the manifold.

questions:
1. Is this a common problem? (finding a downtube the correct size)
2. I'm interested in taking this apart to fix, but scared to hurt the manifold as it's pretty rusted.
3. Should I care?

Thank you for helping a rookie trying to learn.

Greg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/dodgefo...4b5d0a9c20.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/dodgefo...6cc75b69cb.jpg

Looks like someone over tightened it and bent it. If you remove the bolts slide the flange down the pipe where you can straighten it. Put it back with new hardware and a gasket.