Made progress past weekend. Repaired some rust holes in the trunk. Fabbed and installed a replacement rear tow loop (since mine broke off). And, by the Grace of God, I removed the entire exhaust system in one piece without using a sawsall, a torch, or even any heat! Some segments will be reusable, but my intent is to use the 300SD muffler.

The design intent for the exhaust system is for it to allow the enhanced diesel to breathe easily, but keep the noise down as much as possible. The idea is to be surprisingly quiet. (I will become an expert on sound deadening material before this is over.). Am open to exhaust system suggestions, other than the obvious, "Then don't put an diesel in a convertible, doofus!" type comment, haha!