Catalytic converter removal... HUH?

[congerz83]

I'm planning on replacing my catalytic converter... I removed the all the cat-back exhaust. When I got underneath the car to try and remove the cat, it looks impossible to get to. ESPECIALLY THE TOP BOLT!

How can I get this thing off without destroying it?

I'm going to bring it to my Meineke guy tomorrow. Any strategy you can offer him?

[dmc6960]

A really long extension.

[congerz83]

A really long extension.

But how do you get the angle? I'd think swivel sockets would be useless...

[dmc6960]

With a long enough extension I remember not needing a swivel. Either that or the minor swivel already built into my extension compensated enough. Your going in from under the car, correct?

[congerz83]

With a long enough extension I remember not needing a swivel. Either that or the minor swivel already built into my extension compensated enough. Your going in from under the car, correct?

Yeah that was the plan. Can't seem to get to it. At this point there's no way I can get them off without an impact gun. I just hope my Meineke guy can get it off.

[Kenny_Z]

Swivels are useless.

http://uploads.m-cgi.com/kennyz/Delorean/Projects/exhaust03.jpg

I just used a couple of extra long extensions and an iron pipe on my breaker bar. I broke one of the bolts but surprisingly the other three gave way without much fuss.

[congerz83]

All good. Meineke had it out in 5 minutes... Didn't even see how they did it. Almost like magic...

[congerz83]

Oh... You think I need a new one of these... 20139

[dmc6960]

Yep

[dvonk]

Oh... You think I need a new one of these... 20139

mesothelioma, anyone?

[congerz83]

mesothelioma, anyone?

Nah... I'll pass.

[congerz83]

I'm just going to have my father cut a piece of metal to put in...

[Mark D]

Your favorite DMC Vendor should have that heat shield in stainless steel for pretty cheap. It might be easier than trying to trace the dimensions of that one with the big hole in the middle. The shape has to be pretty exact to line up with the mounting bracket holes and clear the alternator.

I'd wear some gloves and a mask if you decide to try and use that old one as a template.

[dvonk]

...I'd wear some gloves and a mask if you decide to try and use that old one as a template.

+1, a P100 mask/respirator can handle asbestos... anything less is insufficient.

[Josh]

I measured mine up, I can post of a drawing if you want. Its pretty straight forward. Getting a new one lasercut out of aluminum.

[congerz83]

I measured mine up, I can post of a drawing if you want. Its pretty straight forward. Getting a new one lasercut out of aluminum.

Yeah I'll take it... anything would be better that tracing the asbestos...

[Josh]

Yeah I'll take it... anything would be better that tracing the asbestos...

I just have to double check the mounting holes, I will post it up tomorrow.