Alternator Removal, 3 hours, and still not out! Options

[dcheek]

I have a 1976 914 2.0 that I'm trying to get the alternator out to have it rebuilt. I've used the information of this site along with Pelican and the factory repair manuals. The only place that says you have to remove the left heat exchanger is the factory manual. At the very least there is one section of J shaped exhaust header towards the front held by three bolts through the pipe flanges that has tin around it that looks like it might have to be removed in order to drop the alternator out from the bottom. I've managed to remove all the tin screws, nuts and bolts and stopped at this point because there doesn't seem to be a way to get the alternator completely out without removing this pipe. Am I headed in the right direction? I have pictures of the piece if it would help to post them.

Dave

[stugray]

I must say this job ranks as one of the worst service procedures I've ever performed myself

I have been known to say about these cars: "anything more invasive than an oil change and you might as well just drop the engine".

My cars have always had carbs, so I am a bit prejudiced when I say I could drop the engine in one hour by myself with nothing but jackstands and a floor-jack.

I once dropped an engine, swapped cylinder shims and had the engine back in same day in my driveway (back when I was young muscular and stupid ;-)

Stu

[TheCabinetmaker]

Hmm, i do not have a tail dave.