Replacing Hooker Sidepipe Insert

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Mar 21, 2022 | 04:13 PM

MelWff

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Race Director

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Replacing Hooker Sidepipe Insert

Having a problem twisting the side pipe off the collector in order to change insert . Bolt and nut have been removed where pipe connects to collector. Strap wrench usually works, this time doesn't budge. Pipe has been on for about two years and I even used anti-seize when assembled. Anybody have any suggestions on how to separate? TIA.

Mar 21, 2022 | 04:19 PM

resdoggie

Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp

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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.

Royal Canadian Navy

I have the ss tubes. I just wiggle mine up and down and around as best I can. You may be able to place a piece of wood against the rear bracket and tap it to the rear.

Mar 21, 2022 | 04:45 PM

blue427

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2003

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I used a long piece of wire and looped it around the side pipe brkt that bolts to the frame and to the frame towards the back.then i put a piece of short pipe in the middle and twisted it.basically making a turn buckle.you could use a strong piece of rope. mike

Mar 21, 2022 | 07:35 PM

Bullshark

Melting Slicks

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From: St. Charles Mo

CI 5 & 8 Veteran

Try removing when the tube is warm, almost hot. Apply WD40 and let it wick into collector/ tube seam. WD40 will not discolor the chrome. A flat head screwdriver taped into the bolt clamp to spread clamping may help. Good luck! Removing insert will bee more challenging I bet. Heat, WD40 and slide hammer are best bets.

Mar 21, 2022 | 08:21 PM

resdoggie

Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 5,338

Likes: 1,213

From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.

Royal Canadian Navy

If you still don't have any success with all of these suggestions then as a last resort, get a length of chain and park close to a tree..................

Mar 22, 2022 | 09:24 AM

Mako72

Melting Slicks

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From: Gulf of America

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I'm on my second set of Hooker sidepipes, the first set finally rusted out after many years. I always used hi-temp antiseize at the sidepipe joint and where the insert seats in the sidepipe and it helps later. I take a piece of 2x4 and place it against one of the sidepipe tabs that bolt to the frame. I tap against the 2x4 with a small sledge and it eventually inches itself off. If the muffler insert sticks, I bang the open end vertically against a piece of plywood on the garage floor and it will slide out. I later went with the STS inserts and everything came apart easily. Hope this helps.

Mar 22, 2022 | 01:42 PM

wwiiavfan

Drifting

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From: Wisconsin

I have the same issue, but I was not keen on how much pressure I was putting on the header mounts at the engine while wiggling & yanking on the muffler.
Thought about ratchet strapping the tube bundle to the frame to immobilize it so I could go to town on the muffler, but haven't tried it yet.
Waiting for the lift to be installed so I don't have to roll around on the floor!