Topic: How to separate exhaust?

[Y84 Poncho]

Well this is definitely going harder than it should be. I'm attempting to take off my exhaust on my 1980 Trans Am project but i can't seem to separate the pipe where the u bolt and bracket crimp the pipe in front of the catalytic converter.  I am trying here becasue my manifold flange bolts are rusted on and I don't want to risk snapping them. I also need to separate pipes by the muffler to drop the exhaust. Because of the crimp on the pipes instead of a standard flange will I have to cut the pipe? I would prefer not too but I will not be using the stock exhaust on this build.

[76Tranz]

If you are not going to keep any of the stock exhaust, use a sawz-all and cut it all off and throw it away. As for the manifold bolts, soak them liberally with carb cleaner and then go back and soak them in penetrating oil. You may repeat this process a few times over a couple of days and then try breaking the bolts loose. It's always worked for me.