removing exhaust header flanges

[MISTERPROFESSIONALITY]

Call me a dunce, but I can't figure out how the finned flanges are supposed to come off the header pipes. Is there a process for this? they're even shown already on the pipe on the parts diagram. Mine are quite ugly with age so I was going to replace them, but i find myself stumped. How do these come off?

 

[timbeck]

Unless you cut the pipes or remove the mounting bracket , they don't ...

tim

 

[MISTERPROFESSIONALITY]

you're kidding...but that bracket is welded on....did they really design it like that? that's madness.

 

[member28833]

Not kidding...

 

[MISTERPROFESSIONALITY]

lol wow. ok.

so that's 100% out of the question then. There's no way I can do any of that. I guess I should ask what's the best way to clean those flanges up like new without removing them from the pipe?

 

[5twins]

Maybe chrome cleaner and an old toothbrush?

 

[MISTERPROFESSIONALITY]

standard scrubbing with metal cleaners has done nothing so far. this is a combination of oxidation and old grease. i'm pretty sure these flanges haven't been cleaned once in 40 years.

 

[member28833]

Second on the chrome cleaner and raise it to a wire brush..

 

[MISTERPROFESSIONALITY]

I'll give that a shot i guess. the pipes themselves are pretty rough, but some sanding, polishing, sanding again, polishing again and so on has started to yield results. i guess if a wire brush is all that's needed that would be a relief.

 

[gggGary]

Dip em in evaporust.