DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Hi all,

.....my silencer that is

considering a DIY swap, I currently have mild steel heat exchangers which have plenty of life left in 'em, so i just want to swap the box, don't want to go for anything loud or fancy, probably a painted stainless to keep the back looking pretty (until i find one of those 'hens-teeth' exhaust skirts)

Is it a nasty job? as far as I can see there are only 4 through bolts at the flanges and the 2 straps to deal with? doesnt seem like much but I'm sure they are to remove.

anyone have any advice for me before commencing, it's ALL gratefully received?

Many thanks
Darren

A fairly simple/straightforward job although the silencer is quite heavy to manoeuvre into place whilst lying on your back - remove the central rear (number plate) panel to improve access.

Hi Darren, now look what you've done! (must be those carbs) No, you're right, just the four flange nuts/bolts and then the two straps. If the bolts are seized try to get a really good purchase on them, and they should shear: just replace with new (if not cut/grind them off). You need a pair of flange gaskets (of course) and it might be worth running a file across the heat exchanger flanges to make sure they are flat (nice job, upside down under the car!). What seems to happen is that the bolts get over-tightened and bend the flanges.

If you're not going to use the car for a few days, it might be worth starting to soak those bolts in penetrating oil (couple of times a day for a few days ideally; might help?). Obviously, when the thing goes back on, worth putting anti-seize compound (Copper-Slip etc) on the bolts: just in case you fancy a hassle free swap for a sports exhuast later .

Good luck ....

That's the second time this week a post has gone in while I've been wittering on. Sorry Andy, I must write quicker (or shorter).

excellent, thanks gents,

that was enough for me to decide to go for it myself, after all I didnt buy the car to go crying to to the nearest specialist each time i need something doing, i bought it to enjoy and learn about, so instead i just go crying to DDK each time i need some advice

thanks for the panel tip Andy, makes total sense, i'll take it off later today to get a clearer view, then at the weekend make a start on the box removal, think i'll try a gentle grind off method first thanks Barry, it sounds like less of a struggle, if that fails then sounds of me doing impressions of the exorcist from under the back of my car will be heard all around the neighbourhood !!!

Cheers
Darren

ps Barry, thanks again for those carbs, they have now covered well over 1000km, and what a joy.

Job done

I only went down this afternoon to remove the rear panel and get a better look at what was ahead of me, and thought let's give one of those flange bolts a try after leaving them to soak during the morning........first one came off nice and easy but the other 3 needed a little more persuasion, so no need for grinding, anyway about a hour and 30 mins later the new silencer was in position, bolted on, and ready for its first taste of emissions, fired her up, checked for leaks - all good . not one expletive during the whole job either !!

thanks for the advice guys, removing the panel did make things so much easier, no need for bench pressing the box into position either, with the extra room i just balanced it on the trolley jack

Good stuff, glad to hear you're piling on those miles! Pleased to hear about those carbs, sounds like that's job jobbed.