1971 Corvette Exhaust Panel Dimensions Help.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 10
From: Newcastle NSW
1971 Corvette Exhaust Panel Dimensions Help.
Good evening all.
I have finally decided to undo my Corvette's preview owner's butchery. The exhaust panel on my car was filled in for side pipes. Since these are generally illegal on street cars in Australia, he had some tailpipes fitted. Instead of fitting the correct '71 bezels and tips, he just roughly cut out the filled in panel. See:
When the panel was filled in, the bonding strips were also ground down and patched to the point that I can't tell where I need to cut to fit the bezels. Could anyone with a 71 (or similar) Corvette please be able to measure the following dimensions for me? The bezels that I have after Corvette Central aftermarkets, so if anyone can measure the width of their bezels (dimension 'C') that would also be great!
Best regards,
Matt.
I have finally decided to undo my Corvette's preview owner's butchery. The exhaust panel on my car was filled in for side pipes. Since these are generally illegal on street cars in Australia, he had some tailpipes fitted. Instead of fitting the correct '71 bezels and tips, he just roughly cut out the filled in panel. See:
When the panel was filled in, the bonding strips were also ground down and patched to the point that I can't tell where I need to cut to fit the bezels. Could anyone with a 71 (or similar) Corvette please be able to measure the following dimensions for me? The bezels that I have after Corvette Central aftermarkets, so if anyone can measure the width of their bezels (dimension 'C') that would also be great!
Best regards,
Matt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
Hello Bad Bird.
There may be other replies with slightly different dimensions but I measured my '72 for you and am showing:
A = 17 1/2"
B = 9 5/8"
C = 7 7/8"
These are based on center-to-center of bezel and license plate frame beads.
My dimensions were taken with a tape measure and stretching the tape over the bumper creates a little bit of a bow when measuring. Make sure you mark these dimensions and try a dry fit of the bezel against the markings before you cut.
Also, I don't see the valance-to-quarter panel joints in your photos, but if you have them, know that my joint-to-inboard bezel edge (reference your "B" edge) measures approx 5 1/16".
Based on my view of the photo, the current positioning of your pipes might have the cutouts too far inboard to be able to modify your valance for bezel fitment without some fiberglass repair.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your project.
There may be other replies with slightly different dimensions but I measured my '72 for you and am showing:
A = 17 1/2"
B = 9 5/8"
C = 7 7/8"
These are based on center-to-center of bezel and license plate frame beads.
My dimensions were taken with a tape measure and stretching the tape over the bumper creates a little bit of a bow when measuring. Make sure you mark these dimensions and try a dry fit of the bezel against the markings before you cut.
Also, I don't see the valance-to-quarter panel joints in your photos, but if you have them, know that my joint-to-inboard bezel edge (reference your "B" edge) measures approx 5 1/16".
Based on my view of the photo, the current positioning of your pipes might have the cutouts too far inboard to be able to modify your valance for bezel fitment without some fiberglass repair.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your project.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi bb,
I'll only add that remember part of the cut-out for the bezel was in the filler panel and prt was in the quarter panel.
I'd bet that although the location for the bezel has been lost you'll find a clue for where the seam between the quarter panel and filler panel was by looking at the back side of the fiberglass.
Regards,
Alan
This may give you an idea where to look for the seam.
I'll only add that remember part of the cut-out for the bezel was in the filler panel and prt was in the quarter panel.
I'd bet that although the location for the bezel has been lost you'll find a clue for where the seam between the quarter panel and filler panel was by looking at the back side of the fiberglass.
Regards,
Alan
This may give you an idea where to look for the seam.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 10
From: Newcastle NSW
Thanks for the help guys. It would definitely be nice to replace the panel, but living in Australia means that I pay exorbitant postage costs for big panels, making it much cheaper to repair. I do agree that when I want to do it properly in the future that it will be worth paying extra for a new panel.
I'm definitely going to have to do a fair amount of fibreglass repair: I'll probably cut off the exhaust tips and fill the whole panel back in and then cut the holes out properly.
Best wishes,
Matt.
I'm definitely going to have to do a fair amount of fibreglass repair: I'll probably cut off the exhaust tips and fill the whole panel back in and then cut the holes out properly.
Best wishes,
Matt.
