Hi all...
I emailed the list a few weeks ago about my upcoming intentions to remove the exhaust studs from the front end of my engine (they are rusted to the point of uselessness) in the process of changing my exhaust pipes.  (I've already removed the rear pipes: they were bolted on, instead of being attached with studs).  After looking through the archives, I have some questions.

The simplest, most promising suggestion I found was to weld a good nut onto the the stud, and then use this to grip the stud for removal.   Unfortunately, I have no experience with welding.  What kind of setup would I need?  Would this be a significant purchase?  Would welding in cramped quarters under the vanagon be difficult?

Another question... although I hate paying other people to work on cars for me... how much could I expect to pay someone else to do this?  For that matter... Can I drive the car (i.e. to a shop), with some of the exhaust pipes removed from the engine?  It would certainly be loud... but would it be bad as well?  (with all those hot gases in the engine compartment...?)

Thanks for any help!
Wes