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Rusted stripped bolts

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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:21 PM
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Default Rusted stripped bolts

I purchased the dual exhaust kit from Corvette Central and I am having trouble getting the old system off. I have 3 bolts that hold the pipe going into the catalytic converter on that are rusted and stripped. I have tried to cut them with a hacksaw and a dremel (with the metal cutting bit) and not much is happening. I have read about using a torch but that makes me nervous and I don't want to wreck my car. Does anyone have any other ideas?
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:26 PM
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is it a cat back system?? because if its a whole system and your going to junk it just use a sawzall or you can try soaking it in PB blaster that stuff works wonders
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:38 PM
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It is the entire system so I am not worried about the parts I just can't get them apart. I used PB Blaster on the whole system and these 3 just don't want to come out. Unfortunately I don't have a sawzall.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:44 PM
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Sawzall is your friend...I can't live without one....Buy one. You'll be glad you did.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:51 PM
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If you don't have one, see if you can rent a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cut off wheel. That should zip through the bolt heads in no time. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. It will generate a lot of sparks.

Last edited by John A F; Sep 24, 2010 at 08:54 PM.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by John A F
If you don't have one, see if you can rent a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cut off wheel. That should zip through the bolt heads in no time. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. It will generate a lot of sparks.
I'd just cut the pipe.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by sstopczy
I purchased the dual exhaust kit from Corvette Central and I am having trouble getting the old system off. I have 3 bolts that hold the pipe going into the catalytic converter on that are rusted and stripped. I have tried to cut them with a hacksaw and a dremel (with the metal cutting bit) and not much is happening. I have read about using a torch but that makes me nervous and I don't want to wreck my car. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Use a torch. Heat the bolts to cherry red - it will break down the rust - you have to get a grip on the bolt with a channel lock and they spin right out. Its amazing how easy they spin out after heating. Heating with a torch bothers me when the part is on the car, the car is in the garage and there is a fuel line nearby. If you have it out of the car outside, there is no problem. I use an oxy acet torch with the smallest tip to localize the heat as much as possible. You could use a mapp gas or propane type plumbers heat supply - its just gives a broader heat are.
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 09:26 PM
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I actually just got mad and took my hacksaw and cut halfway through the pipe. Now I need another blade to cut the other half and I'll have to wait until tomorrow to pick one up. A sawzall sounds great I just need to convince my wife I need another tool. Guess it's beer for the rest of the night
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Old Sep 24, 2010 | 09:43 PM
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A flame wrench is a very valuable tool that is really necessary with rusted studs and nuts, especially where exhaust systems are the job....
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