Wanting to change my downpipes but the nuts are completely shot

Coppertop

Coppertop

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Hi all, the downpipes on my gsa are way past their best, originally were chrome but have been neglected and are not totally corroded and there's no chrome anymore. I'm wanting to change them for a set I have from a breaker bike. Only issue is the nuts/studs are absolutely shocking. Even my go to mechanic wants nothing to do with it.

Any ideas on how I can get these off? I'm just a keen amateur so no welding or wild heat methods to hand. Please help...
 

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I'd leave well alone unless I had to undo them, you could end up with a lot of work to do if the studs shear in the head. I thought these pipes were stainless so a bit of 1200, some solvol and a good helping of elbow grease should bring them up nice again.
 
you lucky , lucky , bastard !

you have rusty nuts . break the nuts in two , chisel or if room a nut splitter , if rich , get in there with a dremel and cutting disc .
cut a tangent off , release the pressure and off comes the nut .

when you have it apart , then you can decide if the studs are coming out.

when you are finished , FIT DOME NUTS
 
I would give them a good spray with some PB Blaster a few times & then heat them up before attempting it. Could be one of those 30 minute jobs that end up taking hours ( and extreme measures ). I'm kind of in the same boat with my '06 - it has a full system on it but sacrifices the centre stand. I want to replace with OEM headers and a slip on but need the bike for commuting. Can't risk snapping a stud and all the hassle that would bring.
 
Update, got one side off by smashing on an E14 socket that I found in my shed. I have given up on the other side, they won't budge and I'm scared I'll snap a stud and have an absolute nightmare. This is purely a cosmetic job so not wanting to ruin my day. At least 50% of them are new... I was quite surprised how well the studs have survived, no idea why the nuts have gone so bad 😭

Much wire brushing, hammering, penetrant so maybe that will help whoever I find who will take the job on.

Also when I tried to remove my heat shield the torx 25s are just spinning. Some how I think my bike may have seen a few winters with the previous owner.
 

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LOLGEOFF said:
I'd leave well alone unless I had to undo them, you could end up with a lot of work to do if the studs shear in the head. I thought these pipes were stainless so a bit of 1200, some solvol and a good helping of elbow grease should bring them up nice again.
Click to expand...
These were originally chrome and let's just say it's no longer present. I have a nearly new polished set sat in my shed. It's a cruel world.
 
Take it for a run and get it up to temp and then try too remove them.
 
siddo said:
Take it for a run and get it up to temp and then try too remove them.
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I can't get any purchase on them or else they'd probably start to undo. They're just so corroded that there isn't much left. I bought some irwins bolt removal sockets years ago and even they don't work.
 
Seen some tricks on YouTube involving welding something on the nut.
But that might be a bit tedious if you have six to remove.

Even if you can get something connected to the nut. The nut and stud can shear off very easily. Then you really can have a problem as the location on the bike isn’t ideal.
 
I had this on my VFR800. If you are not in a rush I can recommend the application of Plus Gas and gentle to medium tapping with a hammer a couple of times a day. There also plenty of freezing sprays and you've been told about heating. Take your time as rushing will end in tears.
 
My OCD has gone off the scale looking at that! Going for a lie down. Good luck.
 
RPM motorcycles are going to take the job on for me, drop off on Friday. Will get everything sorted, my input will be polishing the downpipes and supplying all the hardware.
Hopefully all my leathering of the stud and penetrant spray will help! Thanks all
 
Mad Hatter said:
Look forward to the outcome of this one on Friday afternoon.........
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I am hopeful, considering I managed to remove two of 4 with just brute force and willpower. I should imagine a professional will have all the downpipes changed in a couple hours. (at least I bloody hope so as I'm paying for it)

Just need to drill out the torx screws on the heat shield in the mean time. But that should be pretty easy in comparison to the downpipes.
 
All done. Kept the old studs, I'm never touching these again now, much more work than originally thought. They look nice though!
 

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Get some Harpic now, bull the old ones up, then place an advert to sell.
Keep on top of the new ones, metal polish as often as necessary.
Looking good though.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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