Chrome beauty covers

[Dynamohum]

I’m referring to the chrome pieces that cover the junction where the mid section connects to the muffler. Were they an afterthought? How are they removed w/o removing the entire exhaust? I can see (barely) where the rear strap is connected but not the front. It’s been years since I’ve removed the exhaust and I can’t recall what I did with the covers. Surely the covers can be removed but how? The only bolted connection I could find doesn’t seem like a wrench (screwdriver) can get to the bolt. And is the front bolted or connected somewhere?

[daves79x]

You have to at least sag the exhaust to get to the #3 JIS screw at the front of the shield. Then you likely won't get it loose. Those are really meant to be removed/installed with the exhaust off. And the Pro-Link exhaust is a real pain to get on and off. I found a way without separating the two halves, but you still need two people however you do it.

Dave

[SanDogDewey]

On the original exhaust I removed from my bike, I tried to remove that JIS screw with a hand held impact screwdriver. It didn’t budge and I left it alone for fear of destroying it. Maybe soaking it with some penetrating oil might help, heat too.

[Jeff Bennetts]

Put some penetrate on it, if you have a small impact driver, give it a couple light taps with a light hammer and see if that doesn’t break it free, finesse is the word of the day. Do you have a hammering impact drill with a clutch, put it on a low setting and work your way up the the clutch settings.

[Dynamohum]

I have a hole in the muffler in the low spot right after the collector or mid pipe whatever it’s called. Anyone try JBWeld or muffler tape? The end of the cover is right over the hole so any repair would also be covered up. If it works it’s sure better than a new exhaust. I’ll have to remove the right side exhaust for the repair and I’m spraying WD40 and penetrating oil on every bolt that was tightened up 43 years ago.

[Dynamohum]

I got the exhaust off and cleaned up and used JBWeld in and over the 1”x1/4” hole in the right side can right where it meets the collector. After allowing the JB to cure I sanded it and applied a thin second coat. When that cured I lightly sanded it and then overlapped the area with aluminized muffler tape (for insurance). When assembled only a 1/4” strip of the silver repair is visible at the end of the chrome cover. 210 ‘test’ miles later, no leaks anywhere and looks great. Very happy the repair was in a spot that is almost invisible. The repair is certainly cheaper than replacements. New gaskets up front of course, along with a new cross pipe ring gasket and the right side heat guard gasket. I got 12 new header nuts too just because. Now it’s all set for a tour.

[daves79x]

Glad it all worked out!

Dave