Well, in the couple of months since I vowed never to see a mechanic again, I've successfully tackled the oil change, coolant flush, and some small stuff. No problems yet. Now I'm driving last night and hear a noise- the tailpipe rusted out where it meets the muffler and the thing fell off. Upon closer examination today, the part of the muffler onto which the tailpipe is clamped is totally rusted off, so, the muffler just has a big hole in the side of it where the pipe normally comes out of.

Does anybody have any tips? Here is what I think I need to do:
Take off my muffler and put on a new one. Attach my old tailpipe to the new muffler.

Here are my concerns:

1. I don't have a torch or anything, but I do have a lot of basic tools.
2. I don't really know what the parts are called, but I have a Haynes guide that says I might need: gaskets, hangers, clamps, penetrating oil, anti-seize compound. Will the guys at the car supply store know what I need?

So can I do it? Anybody here done this and want to give me some tips? I'd be very greatful to anybody that can give me a hand. Thanks a lot.
--
Light blue 1982 242 DL with 202,000 miles