[Jezcruzen]

Update - I removed the gaskets without any real difficulty using a dental pick (I have a cheap set in the tool box containing picks of different angles, etc.) I replaced the gaskets using the SEs that I picked up at the dealer.

The stock muffler support was a tougher nut to crack. The T-50 torx bolts were secured from the MoCo using Loc-tite. The application of a fine flame from a propane torch for a few minutes on each bolt head allowed me to break them loose and remove them.

The new exhaust system required the mounting of its muffler support lower on the frame using the plugged "blind" holes that seem to be standard on a softail frame, and used to affix the exhaust of some other softail models other than the Deuce. If you ever have to remove these buggers for any reason, it can be aggrevating if you don't know how they are configured.

The plastic "plugs" appear to be easlily removed by simply prying them out. However, the "shank" of the plug is molded to produce "fins" that act to lock it against the internal threads of the blind hole. I pryed up the flat outer "head" in order to grip them with a set of pliers, and was able to finally "unscrew" them.

One other observation. The exhaust flanges of the new header pipes dont rest flush against the exhaust port. I can't remember if the stock set did or not. Both pipes were hand fitted into the ports and against the new gaskets as best I could tell prior to replacing the nuts and tightening the flanges snugly without wringing off a stud. I can't detect any leakage around either header pipe and the bike runs great. Thoughts, anyone?

You can see by my avatar how the pipes look.