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Newbie here...just looked at a 69 today with "factory installed side pipes" but the tail exhaust cutouts could be seen in the back (from the inside). Is that right, or were they added afterwards??
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Originally Posted by chevyf16
Newbie here...just looked at a 69 today with "factory installed side pipes" but the tail exhaust cutouts could be seen in the back (from the inside). Is that right, or were they added afterwards??
If you can see cut outs then the car didnt originally come with "PIPES FROM THE FACTORY" Factory "PIPE" cars had a different rear valence !!!
The seams where the rear valance meet the rear quarters will be straight instead of 'comma shaped' which means it has a replacement rear valance that fills the original rear exhaust cutouts.
Valance panels can be purchaced with 1/2 of the cutout for rear exhaust, with an "ear" on each side to fill the existing exhaust opening or with a straight vertical seam for a factory type look. A true factory side pipe optioned car, (69 only) had different rear fenders that had a straight, vertical line where it meets the valance. If the the fiberglass work you saw was on the fender side of the valance joint, then it was not a "factory" sidepipe car. Swaping the fenders is a lot of work to go thru to get the factory look.
Newbie here...just looked at a 69 today with "factory installed side pipes" but the tail exhaust cutouts could be seen in the back (from the inside). Is that right, or were they added afterwards??
You say the cutouts can be seen from the inside.
But not from the outside? If so it's probably a factory sidepipe car. they all came that way and the rear exhaust cars had them cut out. and a trim ring installed.
I would look at the rear filler panel. Make sure it's press molded etc.
someone could have put in a new correct filler panel.
I believe that sidepipe cars had specific rear fenders and rear valance panel. This is one thing GM did 'right' on these cars and didn't look for an easy way out.
Regards,
Alan