Stock exhaust pipe r&r questions

[pnaberhaus]

Well for the first time (for me), I want to remove, paint and re-install the stock(yea, yea, I know) exhaust system on my '89 GS. I looks  so straight-forward that I don't forsee any difficulty. However, are there any pitfalls, shortcuts, caveats, hints or other bits of advice for the removal and re-installation of the pipes/muffler? Like have a rubber mallet handy? Or, make sure you replace the exhaust pipe gaskets w/new pieces? Or....?   Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[davipu]

nope it's that simple.

[V8Pinto]

It's that simple.  You should be able to re-use the exhaust gaskets as long as you're not a gorilla when removing the everything.

Be prepared for the feeling of "gee that exhaust looks good, now I need to paint the rest of the bike" after you finish  

[pnaberhaus]

Shane,
I'm repainting the pipe because the last really hard ride at the end of the season last year caused a slightly overfilled battery to vent on the pipes right below the right peg.  :x  Needless to say, battery acid fumes and precipitate and paint cannot occupy the same place at the same time. Battery acid won. Now it's steel wool, sandpaper and outdoor grill paint to correct matters.

[raylarrabee]

my only "tip" is to set a couple blocks of wood underneath the pipes so they are supported when you unbolt the headers and the bolt in the rear.  Either that or recruit a second set of hands so you don;t accidentally drop it.

It really is a totally straight forward process.  Make sure to follow the instructions on the high-temp paint and allow all recommended curing times.