Well... I need an exhaust system. I am planning on saving the orginal box shaped exhaust tips and maybe have them replated if they will not shine up.

My question involves the orginal type exhaust system described in the NCRS manual. It seems to be mild steel with double walled pipes.

Is there anypace to source this typ of exhaust or should I just use stainless or aluminized pipe that are available from the parts sites?

I am currently mostly original and I am planning to try and keep it that way while I am restoring the car.

 

Are you going to have the car NCRS judged? If not, just purchase good quality aluminized exhaust components made for your car. They will last longer than what was originally put on at the factory and they will look almost the same. The original pipe system was welded in place rather than using clamps. You can still have that done, if you want.

If you do want to have the car NCRS judged, join NCRS and ask your questions on their forum to get more specific guidance. You might also invest in an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) for your year car. It has drawings with clearance dimensions of all the exhaust system installation work.

 

Hi C,
Many folks feel that at the present the exhaust systems made by Gardner Exhaust are as close to original as is available. Again, close but not 100% typical of the original exhaust. They can make the pipes in either aluminized or carbon steel.
A welded aluminized system from Corvette Central is really quite close in configuration, can be installed quite easily, and typically fits very well for less than half the cost of the Gardner system.
The original pipes used in production and available in service in the early years were indeed double walled carbon steel.
In your attempt at maintaining originality you might want to also put some effort into assembling a set of exhaust clamps and muffler hangers that were typical for your car's year of production.
I have a Corvette Central welded aluminized system but am trying to put together a system made up of early 'take off' parts or early 'service' parts.
In Flight Judging, the points available, and the deduction taken, for an aluminized system encourages the use of a nice aluminized system.
Regards,
Alan

Double walled pipe. (1973 Service Replacement.)

 

Yes, that is my eventual goal, although it may take a while to get to that level. I plan on joining the NCRS, but I have not yet done so. Since I have to put pipes on the car, I thought it would save money and aggravation to go ahead and do it the correct way and avoid having to redo it later.

I am planning to have the underside of the car and the engine compartment completely restored this winter.

 

If you intend to drive the car on regular occasion, you really need to think through what products you want under the car. The original carbon steel (double walled or not) pipes rusted quickly and didn't last more than 3 years before needing replacement. If you are going to drive the car much, replacing non-aluminized stuff every few years so you can be NCRS judged might get pretty expensive.

If you will be trailering the car to shows/judging and just storing it otherwise, the 'original' type system would probably be the right thing for you.

 

This car is used only to drive to local shows and only has 49,150 miles on it. I have 3 other cars so I am mainly trying to restore or preserve the car. I do drive it at least once a month though, but only for a short distance. I think I am going to take Alan's advice and just get a Corvette Central aluminized system for now, but thanks for the advice.

 

Hopefully, your long-term storage facility has no more than 50% humidity. Otherwise, just sitting, the bare steel items will rust...and the higher the humidity, the faster it will deteriorate.

There are some new products that are not permanent and can be put on bare metal to minimize corrosion.