Side Exhaust
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Pinehurst North Carolina
Side Exhaust
I have seen a lot of threads to add side exhaust, how hard would it be to delete the side exhaust for the rear exhaust in a 69 corvette.
I am looking at a 69 today, it was a side exhaust car, no engine or side exhaust on the car now. I would think it is as easy as installing the correct rocker panel, but I know nothing is ever that easy. I haven't seen the rear exhaust panel available anywhere either. I've tried searching the web, figured I'd try the experts.
rpm66
I am looking at a 69 today, it was a side exhaust car, no engine or side exhaust on the car now. I would think it is as easy as installing the correct rocker panel, but I know nothing is ever that easy. I haven't seen the rear exhaust panel available anywhere either. I've tried searching the web, figured I'd try the experts.
rpm66
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
The original owner of my car ('72) added sidepipes and closed the tailpipe holes/cut-outs with panels for a clean rearend look, then, several years later converted back to standard exhaust. He just dropped the standard dual exhaust below the rear of the car and didn't remove the panels. It looked good.
But, I've since converted back to sidepipes, I like that look much better.
But, I've since converted back to sidepipes, I like that look much better.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Factory side exhaust cars had different rear fenders and rear panels to eliminate the tail pipe bezels and outlets. Lower front of the rocker panel area was also trimmed.
The 69 AIM shows the factory installation, where the trimming was done, the rear fenders, and the rear panel.
The 69 AIM shows the factory installation, where the trimming was done, the rear fenders, and the rear panel.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Your biggest challenge will be the rear fenders/1/4 panels. The rear valance is easily replaced, but you will have to open that outside 1/2 of the opening for the exhaust.
Don't just let it stick out underneath like a later model C3... that just looks wrong.
Don't just let it stick out underneath like a later model C3... that just looks wrong.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
Compared toinstalling a LS motor, putting in a 5 or 6 speed transmission, solid axle swap etc, this would be easy. Rocker moldings are available at just about all the suppliers, you may have to cut or remove the rear valance for a cutout version and get the chrome bezels that go in the cutouts.
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