Header issues

I recently purchased a MAC 4-1 because my collector box/heat sheilds and headers were in horrible shape. I debated trying to salvage, but i figured what the hell try something new. I read through the service manual, read a few posts and it seemed easy enough. The retainer nuts came off with a small amount of PB Blaster. and the muffler all but fell off the bike as soon as I removed the mounting bolts. Even the bolt holding the collector came off no issue. BUUTTT when I went to slide the header with collector attached off around the frame tubes the retainers could not clear. I ended up having to butcher the collector to remove the clamps. Even with each individual header free (I was able to spin and twist them) the retainers could not slide free of the threaded rod for the retainer nuts. I ended up having to us a pair of channel locks and back out the threaded rods. Everything I read made this sound like the easy part. Has anyone else had this kind of issue... On a side note I have often thought I have a frankenstien bike, this could be why.

 

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