When I re-did my heads at 109k(150k now), I shopped our local super market
for nuts and bolts and bought all stainless steel bolts nuts, locks and
washers and even replaced the metric allen head cap screws.  that,coupled
with adding the anit-sieze coumpound to the steel threads on the cylinder
heads, so far there's been no problems when I've needed to remove one or
more nuts or bolts for other service.

Spent about $10 on all of it and worth every penny

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Lockwood <Jshopper1@aol.com>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, June 17, 2000 7:11 PM
Subject: Re: Seeking comments on Muffler Replacement

>I did mine two years ago on July 4th morning.  I bought OEM muffler, cat,
OXY
>sensor, gaskets and bolts.  Yes, very expensive from the dealer.  But it
was
>a relatively easy job.  My original OEM system had developed a rattle in
the
>cat.
>Three nights before my designated morning I sprinkled penetrating oil on
all
>bolts that needed to come out.  I waited till my Vanagon was parked for the
>night and the exhaust system was hot.  Then I applied the penetrating oil.
>Repeat this procedure every night prior to D-day.  On the designated
morning
>all the bolts backed out easily with an extension bar.  No need for a hack
>saw or cutting torch, no rounded off heads.  I was pleased with the ease
with
>which they came off.
>I live in sunny South Carolina so rusty brackets are not a question.  My
>brackets were in perfect condition.
>I bolted the cat to the muffler and inserted the new OXY sensor prior to
>installing the combo.  It is easier to bolt the parts together before
>installation in the vehicle.  I used my floor jack to support the combo
while
>aligning the bolt holes.  The combo was quite hefty.  One advantage to
>purchasing OEM replacement parts is that they fit PERFECTLY!
>The entire project took me a full morning, I started at 7:00 AM and
finished
>clean up by noon.  One could probably do it faster but I was in no hurry.
>Good luck with your project.  Keep the list informed of your progress.
>
>Dennis Lockwood
>91 Vanagon Carat
>Original Owner