SideShots Help
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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SideShots Help
Hey, I just got my set of V&H SideShots, already installed the air cleaner and FuelPak. I removed the stock pipes w/ no prob. Having a really hard time getting the new pipes to fit. Tried a few times w/ the heat shields on like the directions called for. No Luck. Took the heat shields off, still no luck. I'm getting really tired of scratching the coating off my engine. Anybody done this? any tips?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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I installed my Sideshots in the spring and it wasn't a picnic either.
I think the directions said to install the heat shields and leave them loose. I tried that first, then took them off.
I had a hard time getting the flanges onto the studs on the cylinders. All it really ended up taking was more patience and a rubber or plastic mallet. I just tapped, lightly and finally got the front flange to bolt on loosely. After that the rear fell into place no problem.
Patience.
I think the directions said to install the heat shields and leave them loose. I tried that first, then took them off.
I had a hard time getting the flanges onto the studs on the cylinders. All it really ended up taking was more patience and a rubber or plastic mallet. I just tapped, lightly and finally got the front flange to bolt on loosely. After that the rear fell into place no problem.
Patience.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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patience is probably the key, had my gf helping me and we were practically biting eachother's heads off. I might be able to get the front flange to bolt on. I didnt really want to break out the hammer just yet, but i will try tapping on it w/ a mallet. thanks
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1st Gear
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Did you have to remove your footpeg, i feel like it's getting in the way of the rear pipe fitting into place. I have the front flange almost bolted on and i dont see any way of getting the the rear pipe around the engine fins
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Tacoma, WA
Lol flashback... mine were a royal pain in the ***. From what I remember after searching and asking back then this is a normal occurrence with these pipes. I think when they weld the crossover it has a tendency to draw the pipes together. Mine were WAY too close. I got impatient and scratched some fins in the front, will have to touch that up later. I hate to say it, but what I finally had to do was wedge the bend of the pipe between the steel rear bumper and steel frame of my Jeep and just crank on it to bend it to a close enough fit. That worked, but I was scared of kinking or harming my pipes, or creating an exhaust leak at the crossover. All went well though, and I can tell from personal experience that those pipes are tough as hell. Like roll bar tubing tough.
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1st Gear
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finally got it. thanks guys. I used a car jack to gently pull the pipes apart, after that they fit perfect.
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Loud indeed!
I didn't seem to have quite as much trouble as you guys, but each fit is different I suppose. I didn't take the foot peg off or do any major tweaking. Glad you got them on.
On the loud note, when I was in getting my download, the service tech told me the bike wouldn't pass inspection with the pipes that loud.
Anyone else run into this? I'm in VT.
I didn't seem to have quite as much trouble as you guys, but each fit is different I suppose. I didn't take the foot peg off or do any major tweaking. Glad you got them on.
On the loud note, when I was in getting my download, the service tech told me the bike wouldn't pass inspection with the pipes that loud.
Anyone else run into this? I'm in VT.