Hey guys...
I have finally gotten around to removing side tubes and installing new less restrictive mufflers. To date I have removed rocker trim and mounting bolts on the sidepipes, then carefully worked my way around connection of sidetube with collector with a screwdriver trying not to damage chrome. Once opened alittle I have been spraying with penetrating fluid, then I work with the screw driver again. Still no luck. The tubes have been on for many years, carbon locked,I will continue using the same method. Does anyone have any suggestions???
:cheers: :cheers:

 

I thought side pipes were less restrictive than mufflers.... :conehead

 

Stock sidepipes are very restrictive. There are less restrictive mufflers for them such as Moroso spiral. Some like sidepipes & the main reason given for sidepipes is they like the look.

 

I thought I would use the glass packs (HOOKER) that I got when I bought the car. Now I know why the original owner did not attempt this job. My biggest concern is that they will never look right again. :( I might have to replace with JCL spirals and tubes :cool: lots of dough though... :rolleyes: Somebody must have a tip or two??? :cheers: :cheers:

 

Wes,

I held the pipes vertically and gently tapped the engine end squarely onto a piece of wood on the floor. Slowly, slowly the old rusted insert came out. Your using large amounts of penetrating oil should help quite a bit.

If they still won't budge, you may have to pound them out with a piece of pipe or 2x2 lumber. The two collars at each enc holding the small center pipe (which is why they are so restrictive) will probably break free. The only real area of concern is protecting the engine side flange from bending. Using a short piece of heavy 4" od pipe in the end could help protect it. Then bang away on the insert.

Chuck

 

Thanks Chuck for the info... I am still trying to seperate the side tubes from the collector though... it is a PITA. I have the flange partially flared but I cannot budge the tube. I'm afraid that I have myself in a real puckersnatch this time.. :bb

 

I've witnessed two cases where "older" Hookers were one with their sidetubes and just couldn't be separated without permanent damage :(

 

Wes,

I just went through this same thing last January. I ended up taking the entire header/sidetube off the car and using a propane torch to heat up the area where they meet, spray with penetrating oil and use a rubber mallet to loosen them up. Be careful not to whack them too hard. Also I used the rubber mallet to hit the sidetube mounting tab in a direction away from the header. Use a screwdriver ONLY at the slot where it's cut, NOT on the rest of the pipe. It took quite a bit of work to get them apart but the heat and oil worked after awhile, having someone hold the header while you pound away with the mallet is a big help. WEAR GLOVES! & Watch the heat.

What I suggest is once you have them apart cut off the 2 tabs where the screw tightens the sidetube, then contact Jim (JCL) for a set of step down clamps, or I will get you a set. When you put them together again use anti-sieze lube.

As for getting the mufflers out good luck, it took Brutus and myself 3 hours of hard pounding with hammers and a large punch to get just one out....and Brutus is 6'5" and could carry my car on his back, he's no slacker in the strength department. The reason why I would never use Hooker mufflers again, they almost weld themselves to the tubes. Even though the spiral baffles may cost more it's the only way I'd go, you get what you pay for with Hookers mufflers.