Another exhaust question.........

I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
Hey Guys, I did a search and couldn't find anything on this. Here is the deal I just got some new Hooker Rebel Widetail pipes for my 04 Bulldog. As far as lining them up, the bracket, etc, (I installed new gaskets) they will work fine. the problem I am having is when I try to put the front pipe on (I haven't even tried the rear yet) it is a tight fit, because these pipes came fully assembled (heat shields, the flanges and retaining rings, they even came with new donut gaskets) so the heat shield is real close to where the bolts go. It is a bitch to get the bolts started. I tried loosening the heat shield, but that bitch is on there. But the real problem is that while I am fucking with it, the retaining ring keeps popping through the flange collar (the collar where you put the bolts)! Like the ring is not big/wide enough. I checked on the rear pipe, and it is loose also. It looks like the retaining ring just needs to be a hair wider, so it won't slip through the flange collar. I looked at my old pipes, and the old rings and flange colars are pretty snug (I mean they do move, but no matter how i would fuck with them, they would not slip through) Do they sell different size retaining rings?? I am sooo pissed right now. I only have like one day off to fuck with this project, and now it is gone till next week. I haven't ridden in almost 3 weeks. I mam so close to putting the old pipes back on, and having the new ones put on at a bike shop. I just don't really have the money, and don't want to chance them getting scratched up, etc. Especially since they are a discontinued item, and there are no more. Sorry for the long winder, just want to ride.
Thanks!:bang:
Mike
 
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Just spread that c-clip apart. They are all generic.

:eek:
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
The retaining ring seems like it needs to be wider. so it sits in the indent/gap on the flange collar better without slipping through. I know part of the reason is from fucking with it so much, but it still shouldn't slip through. It isn't a prob with the old pipes. Thats why I thought they might make retaining rings a slight bit bigger. I was hoping to do this job myself, but it isn't looking good right now. I will try and take some pics tomorrow. It will be hard to see what I am talking about in the pics though. Thats why I had such a long wided post to explain it.:D

Mike
 
mobsta

mobsta

Well-Known Member
are the new pipes a smaller diameter at the heads then the old pipes?this might be why the fit looser.not sayn the snap ring should fall threw.just why the flange fits looser.just sayn
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
hey Mobsta, the new pipes do seem to be a little smaller at the heads (top) then the old pipes, then they widen up. But like you said, they shouldn't fall through. This shit is pissing me off. I should have had these on today. Weather is hot, perfect for wind in your face.
Mike
 
lee

lee

Well-Known Member
not sure I really understand what you're saying but why not take the circlips and flange collar off the old pipes and on to the new pipes?
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
Because the clips off the old pipes are rusty and shitty, also, the new pipes are slightly thinner at the top (where they bolt to the head) How the hell do you get those fuckin clips off?? I got a quote to get the new pipes installed form a reputable bike shop close to home ($60-120) depending on how long it took. I just don't want shit scratched or dented. And to do this I gotta put the shittly old pipes back on to get the bike to him. I will also bring him two new donut gaskets. At this point it is just worth it. I will try to post some pics tomorrow to show you guys. I am wiped out tonight, and don't even want to look at the bike. LOL Thanks guys!!
Mike
 
mobsta

mobsta

Well-Known Member
maybe its not the clips,maybe the flanges!i use snap ring pliers to remove the clips,there is a tool made for those clips but snap ring pliers work for me.just sayn:cheers:
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
I just don't know at this point Mobsta. The rear pipe seems slightly tighter on the retaining ring/clip. maybe all the friggin around i did, stretched the front one or something. It just looks like the ring needs to be slightly wider to sit in the flange groove better.

Mike
 
mobsta

mobsta

Well-Known Member
that i do not know sorry!it was just a thought,like maybe it was made wrong or something
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
Thanks for the help guys! I will keep you updated. I am putting my old pipes on this weekend, and next Friday I am taking it to a reputable shop. The small amount of money is not worth my aggravation. As long as they don't scratch or dent them! LOL

Mike
 
I

InDaDogHouse

Active Member
Finally got them installed. It cost $90. I am real happy with that. $90 is not worth my aggravation and risking fucking them up. The guy had them done in about 1-1/2 hours. Great people over at Cycle Alley in New Port Richey, Florida. Look great! No baffles, and the do not pop as bad on decel as my others, and it feels a slight bit more torquey. Thanks for all the help! i will post some pics later. Hey someone in here said something about a rear peg relocation bracket. The rear peg just touches the top of the pipe like by a hair. (just enough to cause a rub/wear mark). Or could I get smaller/thinner pegs?? The factory ones are pretty thick. Thanks!
Later
Mike
 
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