Identifying sidepipes
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '07
The originals will be the worst looking with the most pits......
....with very few exceptions. You may find the occasional NOS set properly stored for 40 years and they still look good.
The current reproductions are made from the original tooling so physically they should be the same, just new.
....with very few exceptions. You may find the occasional NOS set properly stored for 40 years and they still look good. The current reproductions are made from the original tooling so physically they should be the same, just new.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi AZ,
Since the reproduction covers and insulators are all made by Paragon they might have the little symbol they put on some of their repro parts.
Does anyone know if they're doing that?
It's usually done in such a way that it can't be seen when the part is installed.
I have a set of over-the-counter covers and pipes I bought in 1971. I'm not sure if even THEY are different than the production line parts were.
Regards,
Alan
Since the reproduction covers and insulators are all made by Paragon they might have the little symbol they put on some of their repro parts.
Does anyone know if they're doing that?
It's usually done in such a way that it can't be seen when the part is installed.
I have a set of over-the-counter covers and pipes I bought in 1971. I'm not sure if even THEY are different than the production line parts were.
Regards,
Alan
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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If they are on a 68 they are not original to the car. If they are on a 69 the serial number should be 9320 or above. They weren't offered before that. There should be no rocker panel trim tabs and no exhaust hangers at the tranny.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
'69 only, of course. Look at the rear valance panel, too. Some people add sidepipes but either neglect to do the body work to fill the rear exhaust holes or they go the el cheapo route by putting a "filler" panel on there and hope no one notices.
Thread Starter
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Thanks for the input so far guys.
I'm aware of telltale signs if a car was equipped with them or not,rear valance, spacer under trans mount instead of hanger bracket,
I'm trying to determine if I have a original set of covers or a re-popped set.
Debating on whether to deconstruct them for restoration(chroming) or not.
By Deconstructing i mean drill out pop rivets holding the inner shield and insulator together.
I'm aware of telltale signs if a car was equipped with them or not,rear valance, spacer under trans mount instead of hanger bracket,
I'm trying to determine if I have a original set of covers or a re-popped set.
Debating on whether to deconstruct them for restoration(chroming) or not.
By Deconstructing i mean drill out pop rivets holding the inner shield and insulator together.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I know that my covers are original and they don't look so good either. I wish I could tell you what to look for but I've never studied the repros. Unfortunately mine are on the car now and I don't have any photos of the insides. They rattle and need to be restored...but I have heard that could easily cost as much, if not more than new. I just think that by the time you deconstruct them, try to repair...then end up replacing broken or rusted insulator and shield pieces, pay to have everything straightened up, smoothed out and re-chromed, then put it all back together...they will not look as good and be as tight as the repros.
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