Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a serviceable catalytic converter such that a catalyst substrate of the catalytic converter is serviceable while the catalytic converter remains connected to an exhaust system by forming a lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter with an absence of material in order to provide at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter for permitting selective access to a fluid-flow passage that extends through the body of the catalytic converter that contains the catalyst substrate; and disposing at least one close-out member in the at least one opening for fluidly-sealing the at least one opening. A component of an exhaust system that is serviceable while remaining fluidly-connected and physically-connected to the exhaust system is also disclosed.