Header Install, and Laughing at Prev Owner

[javadoc]

So I embarked on the challenge of installing headers and flowmaster 50s on my truck this weekend, and I'm about half way though the job. It's very straight forward, but I have been laughing at what I was finding while ripping the old exhaust out.

First, I removed the clutch linkage Z-bar, but instead of proper cotter pins holding things together, rusting old paper clips! At least they were the cool plastic-coated ones, but still, not what I'd want as far as safety.

Second, as I was removing the alternator, I realized that someone had WELDED the thing to the adjusting bracket/arm! They apparently didn't have a large enough washer for the bolt, so they just welded it up. The bracket (an Autozone special to be sure) is busted, so I need to get a new one.

Next, when I was pulling out the old pipes from under the truck I was thinking how heavy duty the brackets were, holding the pipes up. Turns out, whoever installed the old busted exhaust used those plasti-dipped hooks that you use to hang things from the walls in your garage! They were threaded up into holes in the frame. I was laughing pretty good about that.

I'm just glad that I didn't snap a single bolt, and that my headers fit. At least on the drivers side (haven't tried passenger side yet). Well, fit after I took out the Z-bar and removed the large canister oil filter, which was going to get retro-fitted anyway.