"Truck Stack Pipes" Installation On Valkyrie Question: HELP!

[Paxton]

Hello fellow Valkyrieans;

I have seen photos showing some of your bikes with the "Truck Stack Pipes." 
Anyone reading the Stack's installation instructions might help to clear my understanding ... (SEE Link)
at times  I wrestle with English, as it is my second language. 

I received the Truck Stack Pipes. I like them. Now, I am getting them ready for installation on "Dragonfly."   

I think the instructions provided are excellent.  However, I need to make certain that I understand what appears obvious...

It is in regards to the 2" X 9" cut at one end of each pipe referenced in the instructions.

The instructions read "...Take a piece of 2 inch wide masking tape, approximately 9 inches long.  Apply to one end of the stack..."
... So far I get it...
http://www.timskelton.com/valkyrie/how_to/stacks.htm 

However, my understanding of the instructions on this one point isn't crystal-clear... so I'll summarize it in my own words.... 

•   There would be two 9-inch-long cuts, 2" apart.
•   These cuts run parallel to each other 9-inches down along the length of the stack.
•   When done, each pipe would have a piece cut out starting from the pipe's end; running 9-inch-long X 2-inches wide down the length of the pipe.

Please correct or confirm my understanding. 

Thanks,

"Strive to be the person that your dog thinks you are."

[AussieValk]

Yep, that sounds about right.

The cut out piece is to slot around the rear muffler mount. You'll see it when you remove the existing pipes.

It's a fun job. Good luck with getting them to slide on. This was me 

[X Ring]

I sprayed my mufflers with WD-40 to help them slide on.

Marty

[GOOSE]

X Ring......i'm sitting here reading his post about the 9-inch x 2-inch cut.....i think he's saying to make 2 cuts on each pipe...that is wrong.....you are only going to make 1 cut on each pipe, and that one cut is going to allow the pipe to slide over/by the 2 mounting studs that hold the rear of the pipe.  don't mean to throw my 2-cents in, i just want to make sure that he gets it right on the install, john.

[dalai-lama]

X Ring......i'm sitting here reading his post about the 9-inch x 2-inch cut.....i think he's saying to make 2 cuts on each pipe...that is wrong.....you are only going to make 1 cut on each pipe, and that one cut is going to allow the pipe to slide over/by the 2 mounting studs that hold the rear of the pipe.  don't mean to throw my 2-cents in, i just want to make sure that he gets it right on the install, john.

This is correct.  One cut on each of the pipes.

[fudgie]

When you take the pipes off use a grinder and get all them welds and tits ground off. Mine slid on farley easy. But I had a half pound of vasoline on them. Smelled it for 1000 miles. 

[PhredValk]

2 cuts per pipe is correct.

What is missing is an instruction to remove the piece between these cuts to leave a 2" slot in each pipe.
Fred.

[X Ring]

X Ring......i'm sitting here reading his post about the 9-inch x 2-inch cut.....i think he's saying to make 2 cuts on each pipe...that is wrong.....you are only going to make 1 cut on each pipe, and that one cut is going to allow the pipe to slide over/by the 2 mounting studs that hold the rear of the pipe.  don't mean to throw my 2-cents in, i just want to make sure that he gets it right on the install, john.

Goose, I think we're interpreting what Paxton is saying differently.  I believe what he is saying is make 2 cuts 9 inches long, 2 inches apart then join them at the bottom to make a slot 9x2 inches.  That will allow the stack to slid past the mounting stud area on the muffler tube.

Here's the pic from the Shoptalk article:



Marty

[X Ring]

2 cuts per pipe is correct.

What is missing is an instruction to remove the piece between these cuts to leave a 2" slot in each pipe.
Fred.

A dremel tool will make that cut easy.

Marty

[Chuck K. #5458]

After removing the 2" x 9" piece of stack material, getting ready for the muffler hanger support welded to the muffler can, make sure you clean up all the spot welds and other imperfections to the cans. You are now ready to install the stacks. A method I used was to take a bar of soap and liberally rub it on the muffler cans. This provided lubrication that would not drip or run off. I placed a board on the floor and put some cardboard/cloth to protect the stack tip, lined up the stack slot with the hanger mount on the can and just sort of let the weight of the headers and muffler do the work. A little bit of raising the assembly and letting it drop was all I needed. A relatively easy job done with only the help of myself. YOU CAN DO IT! , and feel proud about it afterwards.

[Paxton]

Wow folks!

Thank you so much for ALL your comments. I think you have answered my questions and then some! 

I don't own fancy tools but I do have a nice 3" cutting wheel that's capable of slicing the bike in half... in either direction! 

[GOOSE]

X Ring......you are right...we were both getting at the same conclusion except from a different directioin. 

[bscrive]

Has anyone had their stacks turn a goldish colour on them?  I have had mine on for 4 years now and they have a goldish colour to them. 
Also, i have plastic on mine from one of my cousin's shoes when she was a passenger, any ideas how I can get it off.  I tried once the pipes were hot but it just made more of a mess.

[X Ring]

Wow folks!

Thank you so much for ALL your comments. I think you have answered my questions and then some! 

I don't own fancy tools but I do have a nice 3" cutting wheel that's capable of slicing the bike in half... in either direction! 

It will definitely work for the lengthwise cuts but be careful making that cross cut at the bottom of the slot.  You don't want to cut too much.

Marty

[Paxton]

Could doing the cutting, shaving and installation be be done w/o removing the entire system from the bike? 

"I always tell the truth, even when I lie" (Al Pacino)

[Bone]

bscrive--I have used oven cleaner on some spots. Not sure what it was before it attached to my exhaust. Be careful of surrounding surfaces.

Almost forgot I have taken a piece of rag and laid it on shoe spots then sprayed the cloth with WD-40 on cold pipes. Let it soak awhile and mine wiped off.

[X Ring]

Could doing the cutting, shaving and installation be be done w/o removing the entire system from the bike? 

"I always tell the truth, even when I lie" (Al Pacino)

Yes.  It'll be a little difficult getting to some of the bumps that need to be ground down but you can do it.

Marty

[dalai-lama]

Has anyone had their stacks turn a goldish colour on them?  I have had mine on for 4 years now and they have a goldish colour to them. 
Also, i have plastic on mine from one of my cousin's shoes when she was a passenger, any ideas how I can get it off.  I tried once the pipes were hot but it just made more of a mess.

Mine turned gold with multiple sets of stacks.  I finally went back to stock as my hearing is not as good as it used to be.  Talk about a b$tch getting those stacks off the cans.  Ouch!

the dalai

[bscrive]

I am thinking of doing the same thing.  I had considered getting some Six-Brothers but they blue up so bad after a while that they would look worse than it does now..

[Motse]

I have some pretty detailed pics of when I did my modification, can anyone tell me how to attach files?

Thanks
Mark

[fudgie]

Has anyone had their stacks turn a goldish colour on them?  I have had mine on for 4 years now and they have a goldish colour to them. 

Yea a year later. Depends on how you look at them. A angle they look gold. Straight on, its chrome. Oh well, I cant see'm from the seat. 

[MacDragon]

I have some pretty detailed pics of when I did my modification, can anyone tell me how to attach files?

Thanks
Mark

Go to www.photobucket.com   set up an account (free)  puts your pics there... then run the cursor over your pic an click on the bottom box that comes up....(it'll show "copied") come back over here and right click "paste" the pic here in your reply.  We'll all be able to see it...

[GOOSE]

fudgie....when you cut those 3-inches off of the back of the cans, did you also have to modify the chrome cover in front of it ...toward the front of the bike?  now answer this...could you tell a big difference in the sound, and in the feel of the bike?  thanks, john.

[Paxton]

Well, it's done. 

Way easier than anticipated. The stacks slid over the existing aftermarket shorties. No need for any cutting...
Just drilled two 1/4" holes on the side of each stack and bolted the stacks to the existing side brackets.   

SEE PICS:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/DRAGONFLYEvolves?authkey=Gv1sRgCLKr9dy88LS0owE

[fudgie]

fudgie....when you cut those 3-inches off of the back of the cans, did you also have to modify the chrome cover in front of it ...toward the front of the bike?  now answer this...could you tell a big difference in the sound, and in the feel of the bike?  thanks, john.

No mod to the chrome. You just cut off the back where the pigs are. Its not even near the bolts that attatch to the bike.
Yes the sound is definitly throatier. At idel, it sounds like any other Valk. Was heading to a party at the x's and she heard me 4 miles away. Sounds great it 3rd gear.  No change in the feel of the bike. Plugs are good. I do get a drone on trips but not much more then before. Plus we dont wear lids so the sound is louder to the ear. I'm young and wanted louder without spending alot of $$. If I could get the stacks off, I'd cut more.