When Things Don't Always Work Out As Expected

[rksaw]

So, I'm sure you've heard that I "Debaffled" Scarlett . She went from the Alto she used to be to a girl with a great Baritone voice. But not everything went as well as planned :-[. I think it is wise to tell others where there could be a speedbump or two.

One thing I noticed is that it took me significantly more time to cut out the second baffle than it did the first. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing ;). I think the second cut itself--for me on the right pipe--is a better, cleaner cut. I did see someone, although I don't remember who off the top of my mind, ask the question about getting a second hole saw because their second cut took longer as well.

A second difficulty I had was that my second baffle did not come out nearly as easily as the first. I am pleased to own a '99 Red on Red Nomad that has 22K miles. Now it could be a combination of years in a humid garage and carbon build-up on the inner 1/2 inch of the baffle that is held by the inner plate (see the picture in the PDF file--the file is a great resource as you are working on this project). :-/ I need to give credit to CaddmannQ and Terrebonne_nomad who each gave me different great ideas that helped in removing that second baffle. Cadd encouraged me to push the baffle back in--I know, we are trying to pull them out, but pushing it back in also allows us to 1) get a "running start" to pull it out, and 2) twist and turn the baffle to clean off some additional carbon. Terrebonne described a "hammer puller" that, for me, was absolutely necessary to force the baffle to move rearward. Without this "hammer puller", I would never have made some of the progress I made. I did, however, make one change to the hammer puller. After I caught my hand in the hammer once, I ditched that portion of it, and while holding the end with my Channel Locks, I beat the Channel Locks with a rubber mallet. This gave me more force to move the baffle. Before I used both ideas, I was becoming frustrated that I couldn't just bully the baffle to move. Brut force is not always enough.

I know this is going long, but if you are having difficulties, check out the threads and don't be afraid to ask what seems like dumb questions. ??? There is a wealth of knowledge out there, and so many of these guys and gals can really help you out. When things went wrong for me, the advice I got from these two and others, really made all the difference. Thanks guys and don't give up...all the changes we make to the bikes are improvements in one way or another.

Keep the rubber side down.
Rich

[mncruiser]

It was recommended to me to use the "Rigid" brand hole saw from Home Depot and that is where I headed off to. The second cut was a tad slower but still went through the material strongly. I used a lot of WD40, pulled the saw back and had my son hit it very often and then re-applied the pressure. A stubbord baffle seems to be a common occurance and you are right, there is lots of help/ideas available here. I have not heard of anyone not being able to fully complete this mod. Many have no issues and get lucky and the baffles come right out. One of mine was stubbord, the other was finger loose.

[macmac]

I can't help on this one as i have never done it. But there sure is a rash of guys calling their own questions dumb... I wish that would stop. We all know there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers...

I will bet the manufactor tollerances inside the cans is wildly different, more so than things you can see which is also woldy different. So some cans will come apart easier than others..

I think the basic tollerance for frames and parts that mount the frames on these bikes must varry 10mm aka 3/8" ' + / - '

When I did Phatt II Risers there was no way in hell I could move the tank back and the nacell back enough to clear them, and i tried and did much more than most guys ever need to do.

I even cut the holes in the speedo mount to me open slot 'U' shapes, and still it didn't get me back enough.

[samkjr]

I cant explain it, but I think my second one actually went faster because I knew what I was doing the second time around.

I also had great luck witht the tools. I was using the cheapest possible stuff and it worked great. i was using the 25 Variable speed half in. drill from harbor freight. and the cheapest hole saw I could find from ACE. I guess I'm just lucky. Had a hard pull on he laft(1st baffle) but just took some muscle and a pair of needle nose pliers.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by macmac

I can't help on this one as i have never done it. But there sure is a rash of guys calling their own questions dumb... I wish that would stop. We all know there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers...

I will bet the manufactor tollerances inside the cans is wildly different, more so than things you can see which is also woldy different. So some cans will come apart easier than others..

I think the basic tollerance for frames and parts that mount the frames on these bikes must varry 10mm aka 3/8" ' + / - '

When I did Phatt II Risers there was no way in hell I could move the tank back and the nacell back enough to clear them, and i tried and did much more than most guys ever need to do.

I even cut the holes in the speedo mount to me open slot 'U' shapes, and still it didn't get me back enough.

I think that is because they are embarrassed and don't want to be made fun of so they make the statement first.
They are used to being treated that way on other forums and assume all forums are the same.
They will learn as they post here that we are the friendliest bunch of people you are ever going to meet.
The only time we poke fun at others in in jest and then only after we know they can take it

[dogdoc]

Is that a real moustache TC?? just kidddding,,,,,,:-)

[formikec]

Well, mine look like someone cold chiseled them out to me. I didn't do it. :(

[VulcanE]

There's only one dumb question that I know of, and that's the question that doesn't get asked!

[coloradontexas]

I have the vance and hines on my nad. It has great sound but not as loud as i want. Also, there seems to be a rattling noise sounds like is coming from inside the pipes. Any suggestions

[rksaw]

TC,
You're right...this is one of the friendliest places I have ever been on the net. All should be complimented for their civility, and to those who casually read these posts, we hope you jump in and see how hospitable everyone is. I was reading an old post about a "code of conduct", and it is amazing how so many were burned in other forums and have decided that that will not occur here.
Rich