side pipe conversion
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
side pipe conversion
I have a 1969 350 300 hp auto that originally came without side pipes. I wanna put some hooker super comps for on it. The problem is that the car will have to empty spots for where the original pipes would have been.
I still need to get the car painted so should just have a body guy cover the holes to where the old pipes were? I'm kinda worried that this will this de-value the car? Has anyone ever had this done? How did it turn out? Any problems? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I still need to get the car painted so should just have a body guy cover the holes to where the old pipes were? I'm kinda worried that this will this de-value the car? Has anyone ever had this done? How did it turn out? Any problems? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No deal. You can get a new rear valance panel that will pretty much bolt in and be done. Or get your body guy to fill them. Unless you have a survivor that's NCRS quality why worry? The only one you really need to please is you. If you're concerned about de-value you need to not be thinking about sidepipes anyway IMHO.
No insult intended here BTW. Just my thoughts
No insult intended here BTW. Just my thoughts
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
The sidepipe rear valance will only cover half the opening, with the other half in the fender. Best bet would be to make a filler piece to bolt in there if your worried about ever going back to stock, and then painting the whole thing. It would not be very noticeable and would give you that clean look from the rear.
Hans
Hans
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
I have a 350/300 hp manual (now a 5 spd) and I figure the small blocks will never be worth the same as the big blocks anyways, so why not have fun with this one. Everything is reversible anyways. I've upped the power, gas mileage, gearing, tires, computers, stereo, and the car makes me happy when I drive it. Nothing else matters. I have the Hookers and you'll love them. I left the holes and chrome in the back for now, but really decide which look you prefer and go off of that. It will barely affect the resale price at that point. A bolt on panel is pretty much the cost to fix it anyways. My $0.02...
-Adam
-Adam
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 668
From: FL
The sidepipe rear valance will only cover half the opening, with the other half in the fender. Best bet would be to make a filler piece to bolt in there if your worried about ever going back to stock, and then painting the whole thing. It would not be very noticeable and would give you that clean look from the rear.
Hans
Hans
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I got my filler panels from RIK'S. I must warn you that you still have to drill the holes at the same locations as the stock and some grinding and fitting will be required to line things up - could get dicy!I don't mind recommending to fill in your existing rear exhaust opening - unless there is a remote chance you'll change back to the rear exhaust system vice sidepipes.
good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
I believe in 1969, side exhaust cars had a different quarter panel and rear valance panel than a car with under-car exhaust. The seam between the quarter panel and valance was a straight line.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
Alan, is that an aftermarket side-marker lense? I've been fixing up all my lights and that one looks better than what I've got.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Y69,
No that is the original lens.
It was in pretty good condition to begin with, but I got some '3M Plastic Polish' at the part's store and worked on it for a while and it turned out well.
Might be worth a try on your lenses. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
No that is the original lens.
It was in pretty good condition to begin with, but I got some '3M Plastic Polish' at the part's store and worked on it for a while and it turned out well.
Might be worth a try on your lenses. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
