Abstract: An exhaust muffler and heat shield assembly and a method for producing the assembly are provided The muffler includes a pair of stamp formed external shells. At least one external shell is stamped to include a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the peripheral flange of the external shell. The tabs preferably are disposed at locations that otherwise would have defined wastage to be trimmed from the stamp formed external shell The heat shield is configured to be mounted to the muffler by crimping the tabs. In particular, peripheral regions of the heat shield may be engaged between the peripheral flange of the muffler and the crimped tabs. Alternatively, the heat shield may include slots through which the tabs extend for mechanical engagement with the heat shield.