Need help to remove middle exhaust box

[RaceDiagnostics]

I'm planning on stripping and refurbishing the rear suspension diff and axles of my SL but am a bit stuck at the first hurdle.

Is there anyway to get the middle box out without damaging it without oxy?

I've got the car up like this.

I got the back box off but only after butchering the ends.

I used map gas then hammered it off with a chisel, the end now look like this.

The middle box still looks ok so I would like to salvage that.

Any suggestions?

One option is to get it up on axle stands and drop it with the down pipes but I want to avoid that if possible as I would then need to drive it back onto the ramp with no exhaust at all and I want to aviod an asbo.

 

[jenki]

Something similar with a Golf Mk3 where the exhaust must have been fitted before the rear axle! I found a repair section in a friendly exhaust supplier who looked through his stock before I cut into it
Hope something similar is available.

 

[RonA]

Rather than cutting the overlapping pipe laterally I spiral cut it using a dremel type tool with a small cutting disc. Then you can “peel” the outer tube back without damaging the inner.
The problems your having explains why commercial exhaust shops are always keen to replace the whole exhaust as it’s less hassle.
RonA

 

[johnik]

cut and slice the belled bit off then get a short length of pipe the same dimeter, weld it where the bell was ?

 

[colnerov]

Hi, Remove the mounts from the middle box and let it hang on the header pipes, place block of wood between the header pipes and the floor of the car then scissor jack another piece of wood underneath from the lifting platform thus holding the header pipes securely. Then gently ease the middle box up and down which will open up the flared section and loosen its grip on the header pipes, perhaps assisted by the application of a hammer and lubrication. If that doesn't do it, as johnik suggests.

Colin

 

[mr haynes]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-BUC1...1&keywords=Bahco+BUC100+-+Exhaust+Pipe+Puller

 

[RonA]

What will they think of next. I'd like to see one in action before splashing out. All the old exhaust joints Ive ever worked on have been really well rusted.
RonA

 

[pedrobedro]

It looks fairly new and if you get a couple of clamps to fit the narrower diameter and take the ones of the belled out bit then knock it backwards hitting the clamps on the thinner section while someone pulls on the box it should shock it a bit at a time or just hit the box with a nylon hammer.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'm away out to have a go.

 

[doubleboost]

Heat propper glowing red heat

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I only have a little MAP gas torch so can't get it red hot.

I used a couple of the suggestions above, wedged in some wood to hold the down pipes steady and was able to rock the pipes up and down then cut a little diagonal slot that can be welded up.