Thanks for the replies all. So with the general consensus that I dont need to wait for new gaskets I went ahead and started the polishing process today.
Turned out to be a bit of a pain right from the start! In order to get to the 8 bolts holding on the downpipes I had to remove the rad. Wasnt sure whether I needed to drain it to do this but though I better had anyway so a couple of litres of coolant later I could see the bolts.
Each came off suprisingly well until (sods law) the 8th bolt which was a right pain to get unstuck! Anyway with them all off I tapped out the exhaust and off it came.
PROBLEM!
The casing surrounding one of the ports broke off! Dont know how it happened, it just fell off as the exhaust came out. I've attached a pic to try and better describe what has happened. You will see the difference between what it should look like (left port) and the broken one (circled red) - (excuse the dirt and rust, bikes a '93 and the British weather doesnt help!).
So should I be overly worried about this? It's only the one side that broke off if it makes a difference. Can this be a JB weld job or have I properly damaged it?!
Also is there anything else I need to do as I put the exhaust back on, or is it just a staright reversal of getting it off?
guys!