Side exhaust sill removal

[Art 138]

Upon attempting to remove the side sills on my SRT, I had a very difficult time getting to the upper front bolt which attaches to the front fenders( space of about two inches wide). It took some houdian ability to finally remove it with a spanner. There has to be an easier way; any recommendations; should I remove the front wheel arches first? This means removing the wheel. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[VTen555]

Definitely go through the wheel well. You don't need to remove the wheel but it would make it easier. You also do not need to remove the liner. You can remove the 2 bolts and carefully move/pry the liner out of the way. I have done this several times due to my aftermarket exhaust. It expands a full inch when hot and finding the right alignment both hot and cold was hard.

 

[SnakeEye]

Arthur, I've heard of VTen555's suggestion before as a good way to get at that difficult front bolt. I'd see how it works for you--good luck. Say, why are you removing the side sills anyway...new exhaust?

 

[VIPER D]

CORSA has instructions on their website with pics and all.

vd..

 

[GR8_ASP]

Check the archives from early 2003 as many of the new owners at that time were experimenting to find the best way.

My solution was to make a small cutout in the wheel well liner. This allows use of a normal socket wrench and easy removal and reinstallation. I use a black plastic cover to hide the small hole which has worked well for 2 summers. Definitely a hand saver. My hands looked like I caught a shark after the first remove/install try.

 

[Art 138]

I am giving the thermo-shield a try to reduce the heat. Although heeding to everyone's advice not to use the insulating wrap around the exhaust pipes and muffler; I have double insulated on top of the existing head shields(leaving no space without insulation) . In fact double layered everything. I though about the exhaust change but Doug Levin suggested I leave as is for the supercharge upgrade which he plans to do. I am not insulating the exhaust system as someone mentioned that it retains the heat longer and could lead to cracking. thanks, for the suggestions.