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These are installed from inside the trunk area on each side. Not a lot of room to work in there. They have some factory bonding material at each end and also use some sheet metal screws additionally in the brackets. Obviously, this would have to be done with the tailpipes removed as well. Pay attention to the angles as the pipes will have to be able to fit back through without touching to avoid rattles. Pilot Dan
The original tubes are fiberglass, 2 pieces glued together.
Below is a picture of one of the tubes from my '59 and page from the AIM.
Charles
58's used the two piece fiberglass design. I believe the change over to the metal tube happened in early 59 so it is possible some early 59's had the two piece fiberglass setup.
You'll notice in the AIM image posted it shows the metal tube which was held in place with screws and some sealer. The 58 tubes were bonded in place, no screws.
58's used the two piece fiberglass design. I believe the change over to the metal tube happened in early 59 so it is possible some early 59's had the two piece fiberglass setup.
You'll notice in the AIM image posted it shows the metal tube which was held in place with screws and some sealer. The 58 tubes were bonded in place, no screws.
Tom
I checked my 59 AIM and it only depicts the metal ones for 59. I believe the changeover occurred in late 58 though.
These are installed from inside the trunk area on each side. Not a lot of room to work in there. They have some factory bonding material at each end and also use some sheet metal screws additionally in the brackets. Obviously, this would have to be done with the tailpipes removed as well. Pay attention to the angles as the pipes will have to be able to fit back through without touching to avoid rattles. Pilot Dan
thank for all the help my car does not have any so I have to put them in also what type of sealant do I use and what do I screw into?
My 59 (assembled in December '58) has the fiberglass tunnels.
That is consistent with the late 58 changeover.
Originally Posted by Steve59
My March 59 has the fiberglass tubes
The General used all the parts they had back in the day. They may have had some fiberglass pieces left over and so they were used. I can tell you from my own 59 an August car (very late) it has the early style hood latches for instance that were long changed over according to the AIM revision date, some cars before mine reported the 2nd design This stuff by no means is an exact science for sure
My April 59 car has fiberglass tunnels. There is always the potential that the General used existing stock and new stock interchangeably during the transition.
thank for all the help my car does not have any so I have to put them in also what type of sealant do I use and what do I screw into?
What's on there is a hardening adhesive like what was used on the body panels. Sealing it is not the issue, it must be well attached at each end. There are several good adhesive products available that will work. The screws are just self tapping philips head and go into the fiberglass. If you look at the new part, you will get an idea of where to look on the car. With a small mirror and light you should find the old screws or the holes depending on what's left. Pilot Dan
Do you know when your car was produced in 59?? I see the fiberglass tunnels are also available so the first thing I would do is to determine what was specifically in YOUR CAR originally if possible before ordering any parts.
Last edited by Pilot Dan; 10-21-2016 at 12:27 PM.
Reason: added info
Looks like the consensus we have going is the change over happened more towards the middle of the 59 model year. The OP can check for screw holes which may help indicate the type that was originally in the car.
10-20-2016, 08:42 AM
I've never seen such a thing.... hmmmmm
Pilot Dan
I checked my 59 AIM and it only depicts the metal ones for 59. I believe the changeover occurred in late 58 though. 
This stuff by no means is an exact science for sure 
