gleninsandiego

Do people leave the rocker panels on or off
when running
1. factory style sidepipes?
or
2. hooker style sidepipes?

Thanks
Glenn in San Diego

CA-Legal-Vette

Off for factory side pipes.

SB64

Running the GM side pipe covers the original rockers are removed.

RVZIO







I would think the rockers remain on for Hooker and other covers but I have no pictures. I know Doorgunner has his on.

resdoggie

Mine are on with Hooker's.

Street Rat

My father in law put Billy Boat side pipes on this car.

He had to trim the front section of the rocker panel moulding. This is when he first put the headers on.

gleninsandiego

Thanks everyone for the responses

Do the factory style covers bolt into the places the rocker panel covers did? It seems like my 69 has different bolt patterns than later years

Alan 71

Hi Glenn,
The Option Section for the N-14 exhaust in the AIM indicates that 4 of the holes in the rocker channels should be usable, the others may need to be drilled.

You need to be very careful in installing both the pipes and covers so that the bottom of the mufflers don't show beyond the bottom of the covers.
This is especially true at the front of the muffler.
Regards,
Alan

Aerovette

I had the Hooker style and had to modify (notch) my covers. I wasn't thrilled about it, but it looked horrible with them off.

NAVY08

I've seen some people paint the factory rockers black with the Hooker pipes, I think that's what I am leaning towards, I'd love to see if anyone has pictures.

gleninsandiego

Thanks

I am still at the pondering stage of what to do for exhaust
Since my car is going to be a hot rod, I have some freedom, ie Hooker style side pipes. The problem is I have had those sidepipes on other cars and have burned myself mightily numerous times. I realize they make covers for them but I was too cheap at the time. I understand the factory style covers keep things like that to a minimum.

Another question,
When the sidepipes came from the factory, did they do anything with the rear valence exhaust bezel area? Or did they leave it like it was

Glenn

Alan 71

Hi Glenn,
When the car had the N-14 option the holes for the exhaust bezels weren't there.
This was accomplished with an exhaust filler panel for just the side exhaust cars AND different quarter panels since part of the exhaust bezel extends into the quarter.
There is a seam between the quarter and the exhaust panel that some folks consider a badge of honor.
People use various ways to close the bezel opening ranging from pretty bad to very nice.
Regards,
Alan

The person working on your car could do a lovely job of this added detail!!!!
Here's an example:
You can see the bottom of the quarter was extended and a 'flange' was bonded in place which aligned with the flange on the exhaust exhaust panel. 2 small bolts were used on each side.








This is my 71 when it had side exhaust on it.

gleninsandiego

Fascinating

In all likelyhood I am probably going with under the car exhaust and then out the back

One reason I like the 69 is because how "tight" it is, with minimum flares.
I had a C3 with the big L88 type flares and loved that look too, but this time I am going more minimalistic.

Alan 71

Hi Glenn,
Yes, it's surprising how different 68-69 cars look without the flares compared to 70-72 cars with the flares.
I think the 68-69 cars look more sporty and lighter.....
I think the round exhaust extensions is a good look too. I don't know why the decision was made to go to the rectangular extensions beginning in 70?
Regards,
Alan

C3 Stroker

Can't say why the change was made to rectangular tips in 1970, but the flares were added to help prevent panel chipped paint from tires...a big complaint from '69 owners.

doorgunner

I bought some inexpensive "shorty" side pipes. After using them I've decided the (incorrect) rocker panels need to be painted to match the car color. They seem to detract from the chrome side pipes......

bfit

mmm that will be a real task to jack up if you have a flat.
front is not that bad you can drive the car up on the spare and then jack up.
Rear is another matter.

jkippin

here you go Hooker Headers and rocker moldings painted black

gleninsandiego

Beautiful

What size tires are those?

redcruz1120

Rocker panel on with black stripe painted red with Hookers!

jkippin

the wheels are 18x8 upfront 245 45 18 and the rears are 18x9.5 with 275 40 18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport.