Close is alright. Pipe temperatures are not too bad, just don't repair a brake leak until the exhaust cools down.
Here is some links to some folks with the same type of questions.
http://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=89648
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modul...ewtopic&t=9472
http://www.surplusjeep.com/M38A1/Ima...0-%20M38A1.jpg