Side Pipe Dilema
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Sugar Land Texas
Side Pipe Dilema
Hey Gang
I am installing Sidepipes and I am getting closer to getting my 66 Coupe Out of the Body shop
They called me to ask if they should "Cut Off' the Rocker Molding Tabs
I knew that the front fiberglass fron edge 3 1/2 inches needs to be cut (Keeping Pieces) off But I did not realize that the tabs also needed to be cut Is there a way to bend them up? I am hesitant to cut them off or drill the "pop" rivets to remove them. The car was purchased from original Owner and I may decide to put it back to its Original state sometime n the future What are my options?
Please advise
BuffaloBILL
I am installing Sidepipes and I am getting closer to getting my 66 Coupe Out of the Body shop
They called me to ask if they should "Cut Off' the Rocker Molding Tabs
I knew that the front fiberglass fron edge 3 1/2 inches needs to be cut (Keeping Pieces) off But I did not realize that the tabs also needed to be cut Is there a way to bend them up? I am hesitant to cut them off or drill the "pop" rivets to remove them. The car was purchased from original Owner and I may decide to put it back to its Original state sometime n the future What are my options?
Please advise
BuffaloBILL
Last edited by BuffaloBILL; Sep 2, 2010 at 07:45 PM. Reason: Spelling
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Bill,
The tabs can be bent over, so I've read here. If your concern is putting it back to original, how will you address the holes you have to cut in the rockers?
The good news is you can choose to do nothing right now, if you wish, and if you later commit to sidepipes you can install them in a weekend.
Jeff
The tabs can be bent over, so I've read here. If your concern is putting it back to original, how will you address the holes you have to cut in the rockers?
The good news is you can choose to do nothing right now, if you wish, and if you later commit to sidepipes you can install them in a weekend.
Jeff
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 623
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From: Sugar Land Texas
Bill,
The tabs can be bent over, so I've read here. If your concern is putting it back to original, how will you address the holes you have to cut in the rockers?
The good news is you can choose to do nothing right now, if you wish, and if you later commit to sidepipes you can install them in a weekend.
Jeff
The tabs can be bent over, so I've read here. If your concern is putting it back to original, how will you address the holes you have to cut in the rockers?
The good news is you can choose to do nothing right now, if you wish, and if you later commit to sidepipes you can install them in a weekend.
Jeff
You lost me, What holes? I guess I need to see a car that has them mounted
Bill
Tech Contributor
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From: Conroe Texas
Race Director
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From: Central Arkansas
There is room for stock size sidepipes if you bend over the metal rocker molding tabs. I once had a car done this way. I don't know about larger diameter, aftermarket side pipes - probably not.
You can repair the tabs, even the backside surface, given enough effort. Just hang on to them. You can buy dyes for fiberglass resin to match just about any color fiberglass. After that it's just tedious work to make an invisible repair. There is also a circular cut out of the rear wheel inner wheel well fiberglass that comes down over the end of the frame tube closure plate. It's to clear the curved end of the sidepipe as it turns out. Hang on to that also. You can see it in the detail in the AIM sheet excerpt above.
Dan
You can repair the tabs, even the backside surface, given enough effort. Just hang on to them. You can buy dyes for fiberglass resin to match just about any color fiberglass. After that it's just tedious work to make an invisible repair. There is also a circular cut out of the rear wheel inner wheel well fiberglass that comes down over the end of the frame tube closure plate. It's to clear the curved end of the sidepipe as it turns out. Hang on to that also. You can see it in the detail in the AIM sheet excerpt above.
Dan
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From: Sugar Land Texas
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Melting Slicks
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From: Temecula CA
Rocker Tabs
My coupe has the tabs bent back and GM sidepipes fit just fine.
Let me second the prior comment on NOT removing the rear body tab. Plenty of clearance.
But, if I ever go back to undercar exhausts - I doubt if the tabs can be straightened to make them fit.
Rather than bend them back (really looks ugly), I'd cut them off, leaving a stub on the down leg. Save the pieces (marked with position) and they can be MIG'd back on.
Let me second the prior comment on NOT removing the rear body tab. Plenty of clearance.
But, if I ever go back to undercar exhausts - I doubt if the tabs can be straightened to make them fit.
Rather than bend them back (really looks ugly), I'd cut them off, leaving a stub on the down leg. Save the pieces (marked with position) and they can be MIG'd back on.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: OP Kansas
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Don't let those small mods scare you. You will love the sound and so will everyone that hears it. I just bent my tabs and only had to cut the front to let the pipe come through. Actually if you ever did decide to go back, the rocker cover covers the area you have to cut, so the mod is only visible from the back side. Go for it. 
That reminds me, I need some new pictures of my car with the side pipes installed.
That reminds me, I need some new pictures of my car with the side pipes installed.
Last edited by KC John; Sep 3, 2010 at 10:53 AM.
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From: Sugar Land Texas
Thanks for your generous offer. How about me droping the Coupe off so you can finish it and lending me your Vette as a loaner.?
Just kidding I would love to have you and Jay come by when I get the Vette back from the Body Shop
Thanks Again
Bill
