Removing cat converter bolts???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: Port Orange FL
Removing cat converter bolts???
This is a pic of the bracket that holds the cat on my 94 LT1. Are these nuts spot welded from this side or is this a nut/bolt combo? Any suggestions on what it takes to get these loose?
Some may recall I couldnt get my headers to sit flush against the block. It turns out my pipes are located about 1/2" closer together than the header outlets and I need to get the passenger tailpipe moved over toward the frame rail. Even though the bolts were loose holding the header and cat pipe together they are just too far off and they prevent the header from mounting properly. Its either get these bolts loose and twist the pipe outward at the joint or heat it up behind the cat and bend the whole pipe from there.
Suggestions?
Thanks
Roy
Some may recall I couldnt get my headers to sit flush against the block. It turns out my pipes are located about 1/2" closer together than the header outlets and I need to get the passenger tailpipe moved over toward the frame rail. Even though the bolts were loose holding the header and cat pipe together they are just too far off and they prevent the header from mounting properly. Its either get these bolts loose and twist the pipe outward at the joint or heat it up behind the cat and bend the whole pipe from there.
Suggestions?
Thanks
Roy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
I do remember your post at least you found the problem.
Only a couple of ways I know, I would first try and soak w/ PB blaster they might come off or snap, or get a torch on them.
Only a couple of ways I know, I would first try and soak w/ PB blaster they might come off or snap, or get a torch on them.
Last edited by mseven; Dec 24, 2005 at 08:47 AM.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by mseven
Only a couple of ways I know, I would first try and soak w/ PB blaster they might come off or snap, or get a torch on them.
The "hot wrench" was the only way on mine. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
If the nut still will not budge after soaking with a
penetrant then before resorting to the gas axe, try a
sharp chisel (w/ safety glasses).
Get the end of the chisel square on the edge of the
flats. First knock it in the direction required to tighten
the nut, then drive it in the direction to loosen the nut.
If this is unsuccessful, you can use the chisel to split
the nut with a few blows.
Be sure to take a moment with a file to dress the end
of the chisel for best results.
.
penetrant then before resorting to the gas axe, try a
sharp chisel (w/ safety glasses).
Get the end of the chisel square on the edge of the
flats. First knock it in the direction required to tighten
the nut, then drive it in the direction to loosen the nut.
If this is unsuccessful, you can use the chisel to split
the nut with a few blows.
Be sure to take a moment with a file to dress the end
of the chisel for best results.
.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Fastmax32168
Are they a nut/bolt combination or is one side part of the bracket? I can just cut it off with the die grinder if it is just a nut.
Roy
Roy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
I don't know either. On the nut on the right in your
picture there appears to be a small puddle of
weldment at the top. In any event, removal of the
nut with the die grinder, chisel or torch should release
the rest of the bolt.
Be careful working under the car. There is a thread
in C4 General about incidents where problems
occured due to insufficient support.
.
picture there appears to be a small puddle of
weldment at the top. In any event, removal of the
nut with the die grinder, chisel or torch should release
the rest of the bolt.
Be careful working under the car. There is a thread
in C4 General about incidents where problems
occured due to insufficient support.
.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
Originally Posted by Fastmax32168
This is a pic of the bracket that holds the cat on my 94 LT1. Are these nuts spot welded from this side or is this a nut/bolt combo? Any suggestions on what it takes to get these loose?
Some may recall I couldnt get my headers to sit flush against the block. It turns out my pipes are located about 1/2" closer together than the header outlets and I need to get the passenger tailpipe moved over toward the frame rail. Even though the bolts were loose holding the header and cat pipe together they are just too far off and they prevent the header from mounting properly. Its either get these bolts loose and twist the pipe outward at the joint or heat it up behind the cat and bend the whole pipe from there.
Suggestions?
Thanks
Roy
Some may recall I couldnt get my headers to sit flush against the block. It turns out my pipes are located about 1/2" closer together than the header outlets and I need to get the passenger tailpipe moved over toward the frame rail. Even though the bolts were loose holding the header and cat pipe together they are just too far off and they prevent the header from mounting properly. Its either get these bolts loose and twist the pipe outward at the joint or heat it up behind the cat and bend the whole pipe from there.
Suggestions?
Thanks
Roy
The nut should be 5/8. I would soak it in WD-40 then get a socket and an extension for leverage.
A power tool will loosen the bolt before you can say jiminy cricket!
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: Port Orange FL
Still stuck
Jimis, Air wrench had 0 effect on it which is why I thought it might be welded. It sure looks like it is in the pic. You can see it better in the pic than in person actually.
Slalom. Pretty sure I have it sufficiently supported.
Slalom. Pretty sure I have it sufficiently supported.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
Originally Posted by Fastmax32168
Jimis, Air wrench had 0 effect on it which is why I thought it might be welded. It sure looks like it is in the pic. You can see it better in the pic than in person actually.
Slalom. Pretty sure I have it sufficiently supported.
Slalom. Pretty sure I have it sufficiently supported.
When I posted eariler, I just rolled out of bed, no coffee, no glasses. I hope I'm not giving my age away!
Looking at the picture, it appears to be spot welded. Perhaps you can sharpen a chisel and carefully chisel it off.
Looking at your arrangement, sharpening a chisel should not be an issue!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
I just posted back as I saw the 4 post.... about the only thing I am missing.....I'm jealous 
Nice set-up....Don't worry, take your time it will come off, your not going to hurt anything
Nice set-up....Don't worry, take your time it will come off, your not going to hurt anything
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by mseven
I just posted back as I saw the 4 post.... about the only thing I am missing.....I'm jealous Nice set-up....Don't worry, take your time it will come off, your not going to hurt anything
Nice set-up....Don't worry, take your time it will come off, your not going to hurt anything
