Also doing car work today, I feel you.
Shop wants £300 to change an exhaust on a car that’s only worth £700. Only the flexi part is blown, but the part is sold as a whole front-to-back section by the OEM.
Figured I’d cut it out and replace. Got some ramps to do it, which will be great for future jobs too.
80% of the cutting like butter with the angle grinder, but disc size and proximity to parts that ought not to be cut was the downfall. 15% more cut with a hacksaw which then bust the notch on the blade (the last blade, ofc) that holds it to the handle. Last 5% improvised with the bust blade and gloved hand.
My back does not appreciate the money-save. But the wallet is happy after measuring up and finding a part for £30. Will be back under it next week to fit.
Especially when you’ve already had that part replaced 2 years ago and the rest of it is perfectly ok. VX weld the flexi to the midsection at the factory.
On the humourous side, the car now currently sounds like it has an engine much bigger than the tiny 1l it does have.
Lucky to have something else to drive in the meantime, but I do like this car even if it’s getting ratty. It’s all paid for, insured and has a fresh MOT - so I might as well fix it.