Heat shield...

Between the starter motor and exhaust is a heat shield. One of the clips had broken off and the other was wobbly.

I made up a couple of fix plates and re-riveted them back on after a coat of paint.

2hrs

Exhaust and manifold...

With three remaining bolts to remove, the first two came out quickly but third top centre just wouldn't budge. I used some heat being careful not to overheat the cylinder head – but it still wouldn't move.

So out with the hacksaw and I cut off the head of the bolt. When I get the cylinder head off, I will need to drill out and re-tap the thread.

The manifold and front downpipe lifted out without any problems.

3hrs

After 25 years, the exhaust system had a few holes

Exhausted...

After hitting Sainsbury's early for the Christmas food shop, which was madness, I took refuge in the garage.

Decided it's time to remove the exhaust – the tailpipe and center box fell off [literally].

The front down pipe and manifold proved to be difficult with seized nuts and bolts. The three center bolts the manifold didn't match any for my spanners or sockets, so I said to myself it’s time for a beer and Christmas TV!

Merry Christmas to all.

2hrs