That's exactly what I did when I put mine together. I haven't had mine apart since, but That is what I read on this forum, makes sense to me.
Tricks to remove Hooker side pipes?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: Central IA
Tricks to remove Hooker side pipes?
I'm removing the side pipes and am currently stuck trying to separate the side pipes from the headers. I've not done this before, but assume they just twist/slide off to separate, and are being stubborn from years of heat cycling and possibly a little internal rust. Any suggestions on how to be best do this? I'm re-installing them on the the opposite sides because they were installed on the wrong side - which means the mounting tabs on showing on the top! The PO told me he had them installed in the 70s or 80s, he could not recall, so they have been on a long time. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 2
From: Austin Tx
If they're really stuck the only thing that'll work is heat. Lots of it (acytelene). Just went thru this last summer. Heat it up around the collector tube and it'll come off.
Getting a ruster muffler insert out is a whole 'nother story.
Getting a ruster muffler insert out is a whole 'nother story.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Soak the joint with PB blaster penatrating oil for a few days. Then use a 2x4 and BFH and pound on the mounting bracket with the 2x4. Wiggle it up/down/sideways from time to time as you try to work it off. When to reassemble them, use lots of antiseize at the joint.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,653
Likes: 6
From: North Royalton, OH
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Since heat makes metal expand, I've always found that a quick way to make the tubes separate is to lay a bag of ice on the joint for 5-10 minutes. The contraction of the metal is sometimes great enough to loosen the pipes by hand. The strap wrench is a good idea as well 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 272
From: New York
Try it along with the other advice and they will come off.
