Why is a catalytic converter built like this?

I'm replacing the exhaust pipes on my vehicle and because rust had just fused the catalytic converter's bolts and nuts, ground them off. It looks like the bolts may have been brazed onto the converter; I got a wrench on one nut and it just twisted the bolt off. Brazed? I don't get it. It's an oddly shaped bolt, too.

I'm thinking I'll mount the new exhaust onto the converter, get new bolts from the converter side through to the exhaust, then weld the bolts in place. That is, if the converter is steel- I'll do the grind test to see if it's steel or cast iron.

Attachment 13028

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Originally Posted by DaveO

I'm replacing the exhaust pipes on my vehicle and because rust had just fused the catalytic converter's bolts and nuts, ground them off. It looks like the bolts may have been brazed onto the converter; I got a wrench on one nut and it just twisted the bolt off. Brazed? I don't get it. It's an oddly shaped bolt, too.

I'm thinking I'll mount the new exhaust onto the converter, get new bolts from the converter side through to the exhaust, then weld the bolts in place. That is, if the converter is steel- I'll do the grind test to see if it's steel or cast iron.

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It's a stud not a bolt.

lol. It was a stud. Well I guess it still is, just not attached. Good thing you have the 210ext.

Got wrapped up in other chores and didn't get to finish. I did the spark test, though, and it sparked just like known steel. So I was thinking to line up the converter and the new pipe, mount new bolts, and then some quick MIG tacks.