Topic: removing end caps on 76 stock pipes

[pelicanwheel]

Hi gang -

I want to finally take my original pipes off my k6 to the plater tomorrow, but am having a heck of a time figuring out how to remove the end pieces from the very ends.  Can someone tell me how?

I tried to remove one....I removed what looks to be the only small bolt holding it in...I tapped the edges of the caps with a hammer and drift...it came out about an inch....the widest part of the cap is clear, but there appears to be some sort if smaller neck stuck on something inside the pipe that I cant see.  No matter how hard I tap the end cap, it doesnt' want to move any further.  I even tried twisting it with channel locks to no avail.  Any suggestions?

Thanks

Pelican

[Jonesy]

There is a lip all the way around the edge of the muffler (which it sounds like you've freed the diffuser from...) and then inside the pipe there is a small support that the end of the diffuser fits into. This support is held in by 2 sheet metal tangs that are spot welded into the sides of the muffler pipe. The support might be bound up on the diffuser and getting cocked on the end as you try to remove it.

Did the '76 model still have the rubber coupler pipe between the ends of the mufflers? If so, you should be able to peek through the connector flange and see the end of the diffuser and anything holding it up.

Good luck!

[pelicanwheel]

i'm not sure I completely follow.  I looked up a picture of the diffuser and the tip (or end) that is most inside the muffler (or pipe) is about 1"in diameter...a small tube.  Are you saying there is a center support bracket, spot welded inside that this small 1" tube slides in to?  And that perhaps it is stuck to it and that the spot welds have worked loose, therby making it hard to remove the diffuser because it now has this "anchor" of sort (bracket) stuck to the end?   If so, how do you repair that?

Thanks

[Jonesy]

i'm not sure I completely follow. I looked up a picture of the diffuser and the tip (or end) that is most inside the muffler (or pipe) is about 1"in diameter...a small tube. Are you saying there is a center support bracket, spot welded inside that this small 1" tube slides in to?

Yes. Here's a pic of the end of the pipe with the diffuser supports pointed out. The little tip fits into these. What I'm thinking is that as you pull out the diffuser, the support is stuck on the end and not letting go. On some of my pipes, the support was broken out (maybe from the removal of the diffusers by the PO?)