Advice

OB · Post by OB » Thu Jul 19, 2007 2:56 pm

Alright ill get straight to it. My Apexi midpipe was modified to slide over the stock downpipe (just like the stock midpipe) and clamp on via 2 standard exhaust U clamps (2 1/4"). No matter what I do, I cannot get the pipes apart. Ive tried lubing, heating (warming the car up), pulling, hammering, prying, everything. I dont have much room under the car to get much leverage, but this bad boy is STUCK. I can get pics if it helps anyone, but im sure you guys get the idea. My last resort is to have a muffler guy remove it, but I cant have it cut or damaged in any way (im selling it). I dont have much in the way of pliers large enough to get a good grip on the thing, but I dont think that would help anyways. Does anyone have any last minute advice to help get this thing off?

Post by **Diablo0** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:36 pm

Torch... I had the same problem getting my stock pipes loose and the only way to get it was to heat it up using a torch.

Cbussilver01es · Post by **Cbussilver01es** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:38 pm

you gotta get the thing up on ramps or jacked up high enough and get under there and pull almost straight down, I had to do this when I went to gut my cat. I had unbolt it (the cat) from the manifold, and I just pulled down with as much force as I could and the cat just slid out, Im just assuming that its the same concept. Good luck derek hope it gives you some kind of insight on it..

OB · Post by OB » Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:46 pm

Thanks guys, yeah Jason I think thats what its gonna have to come to. I wonder how much a muffler shop will want to torch it.

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:04 pm

I hope you didn't do what i did when installing my glasspack, and tighten the bolts on the u-clamp way too much. i crimped my glasspack on both ends like a dumbass before i realized what i had done. mine don't look like they're ever going to come off. i took off the clamps and there are large indents where the closed end of the u are, and 2 deep lines where the bracket that slides over the u are. bad stuff.

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:10 pm

I you want to do it yourself and you have a propane torch you can make it work but it will take longer than a regular torch. If you take it to a shop make sure that you make yourself clear that it can't be damaged.

MoxHair · Post by **MoxHair** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:24 pm

Soak it with PB Blaster then grab the exhaust at the rear tips and wiggle it until it comes loose.;

MyNeonSaysHi · Post by **MyNeonSaysHi** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:40 pm

Doesn't it make you want to have a lift in your garage, damn I wish I had one. With a nice huge cannister of acetylene! I say take it to a muffler place, or do what Mox said, because if you grab it at the back you will have more leverage...

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:21 pm

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:Doesn't it make you want to have a lift in your garage, damn I wish I had one. With a nice huge cannister of acetylene! I say take it to a muffler place, or do what Mox said, because if you grab it at the back you will have more leverage...

I definitely want a lift lol! i told my girl when we buy a house it has to have no living space over the garage so i can put an above-floor frame-lift in it.

03blackrt · Post by **03blackrt** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:31 pm

Yeah, you'll have to heat the outside of the outer pipe. Warming the car up is just going to expand the inner pipe making it a tighter fit.

OB · Post by OB » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:12 am

Alright folks we got it off finally. Beat on it for like an hour and lubed the heck out of it. Thanks for the help guys

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:18 am

Alls it takes is a little lube and some love and everything works out fine

OB · Post by OB » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:22 am

^A lifelong quote that everyone should live by!

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:25 am

well come on... you beat it like hell for an hour with lots of lube.... what else is coming to mind...

OB · Post by OB » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:27 am

Actually, the whole dang post is hilarious. "We got it off finally..."

biggrobb1995 · Post by **biggrobb1995** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:45 am

Alls it takes is a little lube and some love and everything works out fine

Just added to my sig.

Cbussilver01es · Post by **Cbussilver01es** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:07 pm

good job derek