Modifying chassis diagonals?

[adrianreeve]

I'm struggling to find an exhaust manifold for the right money. The only ones I can find are the type that go through the chassis rails rather than over the top. As none of the exhausts I'm looking at were actually designed for the Haynes, they tend to collide with the chassis diagonals between the top and bottom rails. Given that my chassis is now powder coated, how much of a ball ache is it going to be to cut the offending rail out, fit a manifold, then weld in another diagonal wherever it will fit? Do you reckon the chassis strength will be too compromised, or will putting whatever diagonal I can get in there be ok?

Opinions please!

Cheers

Adrian