Original 69 side pipe Installation Q's?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Original 69 side pipe Installation Q's?
Hi all,
Some of you may remember I got a set of 69 side pipes (from Allens Corvette Exhaust) and a set of 69 original covers to put on my 70 vette.
They have been sitting in my garage teasing me for the last few months (since my vette arrived)....and Ive been in two minds as to whether install them or not...........mainly because I was told that I had to cut the body (in the area behind the rocker covers) to install them.
My first question is, Is this true? (do I have to cut the body in order for the pipes to fit). I have the 70 AIM and it shows a diagram for this. So Im guessing I will have to cut the body but I want to check with you guys first.
My second question is, if I do have to cut the body, what shall I use to cut it? and can I do it myself?
One more thing.....
How long do you think it might take to install them? and what would be the problem areas if there were any? (any tips would be great!)
Im so keen to get these on my car.....as the exhaust in it at the moment is dissapointing to put it mildly.
Some of you may remember I got a set of 69 side pipes (from Allens Corvette Exhaust) and a set of 69 original covers to put on my 70 vette.
They have been sitting in my garage teasing me for the last few months (since my vette arrived)....and Ive been in two minds as to whether install them or not...........mainly because I was told that I had to cut the body (in the area behind the rocker covers) to install them.
My first question is, Is this true? (do I have to cut the body in order for the pipes to fit). I have the 70 AIM and it shows a diagram for this. So Im guessing I will have to cut the body but I want to check with you guys first.
My second question is, if I do have to cut the body, what shall I use to cut it? and can I do it myself?
One more thing.....
How long do you think it might take to install them? and what would be the problem areas if there were any? (any tips would be great!)
Im so keen to get these on my car.....as the exhaust in it at the moment is dissapointing to put it mildly.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Hi,
Thanks for your reply, but the factory '69 side pipe covers replace the rocker panels. I mean cutting the actual fibreglass. Here is a scan of the AIM drawing I was talking about, to help clarify things a bit.
I have traced around the area of the AIM page I mean
Cheers
Thanks for your reply, but the factory '69 side pipe covers replace the rocker panels. I mean cutting the actual fibreglass. Here is a scan of the AIM drawing I was talking about, to help clarify things a bit.
I have traced around the area of the AIM page I mean
Cheers
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I looked behind my rocker panel and the lower part of the fender is notched where a side pipe would pass under the side of the car. This fits the pipe closer to the body. The rocker panel would have to be cut but not the fiberglass on the body. Now I have a '79 so I don't know if your vintage is notched or not but would believe that it is.
Bernie
Bernie
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes, you do have to trim, but I wouldn't call it the body exactly. It's the lower portion of the fender, behind the rocker panel(which you're not going to use anyway and that you can't see.) It's about a 1" x 1.5" section. I wouldn't fret over it. You'll never know it's missing. 
If you're sickened by it then save the pieces for future bond-back. You'll need the bolt attaching kit that Paregon sells to make your life easier. It makes attaching the covers to the body much easier.
You probably didn't get to the part where you find out you need to drill NEW holes in your Vette!
The factory cover holes didn't match up to the stock rocker panel holes. 
If you're sickened by it then save the pieces for future bond-back. You'll need the bolt attaching kit that Paregon sells to make your life easier. It makes attaching the covers to the body much easier.
You probably didn't get to the part where you find out you need to drill NEW holes in your Vette!
The factory cover holes didn't match up to the stock rocker panel holes.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Originally Posted by Jughead
Yes, you do have to trim, but I wouldn't call it the body exactly. It's the lower portion of the fender, behind the rocker panel(which you're not going to use anyway and that you can't see.) It's about a 1" x 1.5" section. I wouldn't fret over it. You'll never know it's missing.
If you're sickened by it then save the pieces for future bond-back. You'll need the bolt attaching kit that Paregon sells to make your life easier. It makes attaching the covers to the body much easier.
You probably didn't get to the part where you find out you need to drill NEW holes in your Vette! The factory cover holes didn't match up to the stock rocker panel holes.
If you're sickened by it then save the pieces for future bond-back. You'll need the bolt attaching kit that Paregon sells to make your life easier. It makes attaching the covers to the body much easier.
You probably didn't get to the part where you find out you need to drill NEW holes in your Vette!
The factory cover holes didn't match up to the stock rocker panel holes. whats this about drilling new holes?
I hadn't read or heard mention of anything like that! oh well! if its gotta be done to get these cool looking side pipes on then so be it!!!! Im sure I will have a few more questions when I start mounting and installing it all up soon!
Thanks for your replys!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,127
Likes: 2,326
From: Pottsville, PA. USA Home Of America's Oldest Brewery Yuengling
I just installed factory sidepipes on my 75. You will need to drill new holes for the cover mounting screws in the rockers. Also you will need to drill two holes in the frame to mount the front cover bracket and one hole in the rear to mount the rear cover bracket.
Make sure you do this because these brackets are a must in supporting the covers.
Make sure you do this because these brackets are a must in supporting the covers.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Redshark6974
just trim a few inches right behind the front wheels where the rocker panel mounts..the covers cover it up, but it needs trimmed to clear where the cover rolls over.
I've run mine with only the above trimming for over 28 years and 140,000 mile.... No need to cut as much as that one instruction sheet indicated.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Originally Posted by Corvette ED
I just installed factory sidepipes on my 75. You will need to drill new holes for the cover mounting screws in the rockers. Also you will need to drill two holes in the frame to mount the front cover bracket and one hole in the rear to mount the rear cover bracket.
Make sure you do this because these brackets are a must in supporting the covers.
Make sure you do this because these brackets are a must in supporting the covers.
Is that for Real? Ive got an early 70........maybe Ive already got those provisions because my car was right near the 69 production (which had the factory option).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Thanks for your replies everyone. I appreciate your help.
At the moment we are taking the old exhaust off and then we are going to put the new side pipes on. My bf is under the car (we don't have a hoist) grinding down the old welds on the old exhaust so we can take them out. (we want to preserve as much of everything as we can).
Last night we sprayed all the bolts with WD40...and they came off pretty easily (all the exhaust hanger bolts and stuff).
I really do hope we get it done today.....Im so keen to take the vette out for a ride .......... but more importantly ..I cant wait till my vette sounds like a REAL vette!!
Ill keep you posted. Im sure I will have more questions when we start to mount everything!
At the moment we are taking the old exhaust off and then we are going to put the new side pipes on. My bf is under the car (we don't have a hoist) grinding down the old welds on the old exhaust so we can take them out. (we want to preserve as much of everything as we can).
Last night we sprayed all the bolts with WD40...and they came off pretty easily (all the exhaust hanger bolts and stuff).
I really do hope we get it done today.....Im so keen to take the vette out for a ride .......... but more importantly ..I cant wait till my vette sounds like a REAL vette!!
Ill keep you posted. Im sure I will have more questions when we start to mount everything!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Still taking off the old exhaust ..... got a bit distracted......
anyway....can't really preserve the old exhaust...just hacking / grinding it off.
Heres another question.....
the 'insulator' pieces shown in this photo (ive outlined them in red ) - this pic is from the 70 AIM.........do I need these?
I don't think I have them and its not easy for me to order them and get them to my door anytime soon (its a long haul to Australia!).
What are they anyway?
sorry for all the questions......thanks for your help
anyway....can't really preserve the old exhaust...just hacking / grinding it off.
Heres another question.....
the 'insulator' pieces shown in this photo (ive outlined them in red ) - this pic is from the 70 AIM.........do I need these?
I don't think I have them and its not easy for me to order them and get them to my door anytime soon (its a long haul to Australia!).
What are they anyway?
sorry for all the questions......thanks for your help
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
Originally Posted by cosmicvette
...Heres another question.....
the 'insulator' pieces shown in this photo (ive outlined them in red ) - this pic is from the 70 AIM.........do I need these?
the 'insulator' pieces shown in this photo (ive outlined them in red ) - this pic is from the 70 AIM.........do I need these?
Regards,
Jay
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
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From: Sydney
Originally Posted by griffths
No, and in fact you wouldn't be able to install those insulators unless you had the body off of the frame. I converted my 69 to side pipes and don't have those insulators and haven't noticed anything getting hot that shouldn't.
Regards,
Jay
Regards,
Jay
Just in time......as Im about to put the pipes on...then see if I have time to install the covers today.
Ive got to make a decision now as to how much of the fiberglass Im going to trim.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,127
Likes: 2,326
From: Pottsville, PA. USA Home Of America's Oldest Brewery Yuengling
Originally Posted by cosmicvette
Drill into the Frame? Is that for Real?
Ive got an early 70........maybe Ive already got those provisions because my car was right near the 69 production (which had the factory option).
Is that for Real? Ive got an early 70........maybe Ive already got those provisions because my car was right near the 69 production (which had the factory option).
On the front of the sidepipe cover there is a support bracket that attaches to the frame. You will have to align the cover and drill two holes to mount the bracket to the frame. This bracket supports the cover. Also there is a "S" bracket that attaches to the cover at the bottom of the rear of the cover and bolts to the frame to support the rear of the cover.
The covers need these two brackets to support the weight of the cover. The rocker screws will pull through the covers without theses brackets in place.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Do I need to drill holes in the Chassis to mount the covers???
Have installed the new side pipes.....only took the whole bloody day! A few unexpected things....but they are on now.....and we tested them tonight......Boy are they loud! Such a big difference to our old quiet exhaust!
Haven't put the covers on yet...(cause the pipes took so long)....
Have tried to put the covers on...have held them over the pipes....
they don't look like they line up with anything!
Its bloody frustrating.........maybe because we have been under the cramped car the hole day...........
did not expect to have these coomplications.
Someone mentioned above that you have to drill holes in the chassis for the front mounts...is this for real??? I didn't think it would be the case with my car being an early 70.
The covers are just not lining up.......feels like we wasted our time and money (we are a little tired).....my bf did most of the work and he is pissed off :o I feel bad.
So, you dudes that have mounted original covers on your vette........I really need your help!
(had a big day planned tomorrow showing off the car to alot of friends that haven't seen it yet...I guess we shouldnt have expected things to go well
)
Haven't put the covers on yet...(cause the pipes took so long)....
Have tried to put the covers on...have held them over the pipes....
they don't look like they line up with anything!
Its bloody frustrating.........maybe because we have been under the cramped car the hole day...........did not expect to have these coomplications.
Someone mentioned above that you have to drill holes in the chassis for the front mounts...is this for real??? I didn't think it would be the case with my car being an early 70.
The covers are just not lining up.......feels like we wasted our time and money (we are a little tired).....my bf did most of the work and he is pissed off :o I feel bad.
So, you dudes that have mounted original covers on your vette........I really need your help!
(had a big day planned tomorrow showing off the car to alot of friends that haven't seen it yet...I guess we shouldnt have expected things to go well
)
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Things never go as I expect.
The pipes and covers will try your patience. You at least have two people working somewhat together.
The front cover backet has two holes which should be screwed into the frame from underneath. My '70 didn't have the holes in the frame NOR were the brackets even long enough to reach the frame. They were about 1 in short. Eventually I'll make an extension for the brackets and drill the holes into the frame.
Now that's how a Vette sounds.
The pipes and covers will try your patience. You at least have two people working somewhat together.
The front cover backet has two holes which should be screwed into the frame from underneath. My '70 didn't have the holes in the frame NOR were the brackets even long enough to reach the frame. They were about 1 in short. Eventually I'll make an extension for the brackets and drill the holes into the frame.
Now that's how a Vette sounds.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Originally Posted by Jughead
Things never go as I expect.
The pipes and covers will try your patience. You at least have two people working somewhat together.
The front cover backet has two holes which should be screwed into the frame from underneath. My '70 didn't have the holes in the frame NOR were the brackets even long enough to reach the frame. They were about 1 in short. Eventually I'll make an extension for the brackets and drill the holes into the frame.
Now that's how a Vette sounds.
The pipes and covers will try your patience. You at least have two people working somewhat together.
The front cover backet has two holes which should be screwed into the frame from underneath. My '70 didn't have the holes in the frame NOR were the brackets even long enough to reach the frame. They were about 1 in short. Eventually I'll make an extension for the brackets and drill the holes into the frame.
Now that's how a Vette sounds.
Thanks again for your help!
OK...so it looks like I have to drill holes into the frame? Bummer!
Just a question...you have your covers on right? Did you just leave the front mount as is ? and just mount the rear of the cover to the frame and put the screws in the rocker panel?
Do you think its ok if I just do this for now and leave the front mount until later?
I gotta get some sleep.......
Stay cool
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
Originally Posted by cosmicvette
Have installed the new side pipes.....only took the whole bloody day! A few unexpected things....but they are on now.....and we tested them tonight......Boy are they loud! Such a big difference to our old quiet exhaust!
Haven't put the covers on yet...(cause the pipes took so long)....
Have tried to put the covers on...have held them over the pipes....
they don't look like they line up with anything! Its bloody frustrating.........maybe because we have been under the cramped car the hole day...........
did not expect to have these coomplications.
Someone mentioned above that you have to drill holes in the chassis for the front mounts...is this for real??? I didn't think it would be the case with my car being an early 70.
The covers are just not lining up.......feels like we wasted our time and money (we are a little tired).....my bf did most of the work and he is pissed off :o I feel bad.
So, you dudes that have mounted original covers on your vette........I really need your help!
(had a big day planned tomorrow showing off the car to alot of friends that haven't seen it yet...I guess we shouldnt have expected things to go well )
Haven't put the covers on yet...(cause the pipes took so long)....
Have tried to put the covers on...have held them over the pipes....
they don't look like they line up with anything!
Its bloody frustrating.........maybe because we have been under the cramped car the hole day...........did not expect to have these coomplications.
Someone mentioned above that you have to drill holes in the chassis for the front mounts...is this for real??? I didn't think it would be the case with my car being an early 70.
The covers are just not lining up.......feels like we wasted our time and money (we are a little tired).....my bf did most of the work and he is pissed off :o I feel bad.
So, you dudes that have mounted original covers on your vette........I really need your help!
(had a big day planned tomorrow showing off the car to alot of friends that haven't seen it yet...I guess we shouldnt have expected things to go well
)(Not the insulators in your previous post - which you can live without)
You can't install the covers without the cover insulators.
The covers mount on the cover insulators and that assembly is what mounts to your car as described by the others above.
Also, in your post concerning the insulators above there is a "shim" installed below the transmission (item 1) which takes the place of the exhaust hanger you have in there for the undercar exhaust. If you leave the hanger in there you have no worries but if you take it out then that shim puts the transmission back into correct geometry with the drive train - you could also use large washers to acheive the same effect.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,936
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by cosmicvette
Hi Jughead,
Thanks again for your help!
OK...so it looks like I have to drill holes into the frame? Bummer!
Just a question...you have your covers on right? Did you just leave the front mount as is ? and just mount the rear of the cover to the frame and put the screws in the rocker panel?
Do you think its ok if I just do this for now and leave the front mount until later?
I gotta get some sleep.......
Stay cool
Thanks again for your help!
OK...so it looks like I have to drill holes into the frame? Bummer!
Just a question...you have your covers on right? Did you just leave the front mount as is ? and just mount the rear of the cover to the frame and put the screws in the rocker panel?
Do you think its ok if I just do this for now and leave the front mount until later?
I gotta get some sleep.......
Stay cool
I think Cosmic bought the covers & insulators new, if I remember correctly.