true sidepipe car?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
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From: Roanoke Va.
true sidepipe car?
I know this has been covered over and over but I could not find an answer while doing a search. I have a 69 BB that I bought with the intention of fixing up and reselling. I am almost done and don't want to misrepresent the car when advertising. I have zero documentation for the car and the tank sticker is not present. Engine, trans, and rear are original and engine #'s match vin, so the next big item is the exhaust. All indications such as the insulation between frame and body, and lack of rear exhaust "holes" or any sign of 'em ever existing, could lead one to believe that this car was/is originally a side pipe car from the factory. It now has aftermarket side pipes so I am just looking for as much proof as I can, one way or another. A true #'s matching 427 plus a true side pipe car would sell better than just a #'s matching motor, I would think. It is not ALL original, as mentioned having after market exhaust and a few other items, so determining the exhaust question seems pretty important to me. Is there any other "proof" or reasonable indicators to ID a factory side pipe car ? Thanks in advance !!!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
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From: Orlando FL
Can you send a picture of the Rear lower valance panel, where the exhaust pipes would come out if it were a under car exhaust.
If you look at the panel in the back does it have stright lines or does it have a semi circle bump out to fill in the cut outs for the under car exhaust.
If you look at the panel in the back does it have stright lines or does it have a semi circle bump out to fill in the cut outs for the under car exhaust.
Pro
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From: Orlando FL
Melting Slicks
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From: Midlothian VA
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There are a few ways to tell if your car is a factory sidepipe car. If your car's serial number is 9320 or below it is not.
In addition to the rear exhaust panel and insulation mentioned, there should be no evidence of center exhaust hangers near the tranny. There should be a spacer there. The rear 1/4 panels should be trimmed for the exhaust outlet. The front side fender should be trimmed for side exhaust clearance. The front of the rear wheel well should be cut to expose the rear end of the frame rail.
I have a real 69 sidepipe car and these areas are the tell tale signs.
In addition to the rear exhaust panel and insulation mentioned, there should be no evidence of center exhaust hangers near the tranny. There should be a spacer there. The rear 1/4 panels should be trimmed for the exhaust outlet. The front side fender should be trimmed for side exhaust clearance. The front of the rear wheel well should be cut to expose the rear end of the frame rail.
I have a real 69 sidepipe car and these areas are the tell tale signs.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
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From: Roanoke Va.
Randy- This is the Yellow BB car that you checked out for me in Kissimmee, Fl. Thanks again. The rear valence has part #3948133 on it so I'm thinking that it is an original part. No molded half circles or any "mud" work that would indicate filling in exhaust outlets.
Capvettes- Vin is 194379S726106 so is that before or after 9320? I know they didn't make 726106 of these so that is the confusion. The fiberglass trimming that you mention in front of the rear wheels, exposing the almost square end of the frame, is done on drivers side but not pass. side. Can't say that I see the reason for this. Just wondering.
Insulation is present on both sides. It appears to have a foil or shiny backing. Definitely old.
I will try to add a pic showing rear of car. Maybe someone can tell by the wrap around section of the quarter panel.
Capvettes- Vin is 194379S726106 so is that before or after 9320? I know they didn't make 726106 of these so that is the confusion. The fiberglass trimming that you mention in front of the rear wheels, exposing the almost square end of the frame, is done on drivers side but not pass. side. Can't say that I see the reason for this. Just wondering.
Insulation is present on both sides. It appears to have a foil or shiny backing. Definitely old.
I will try to add a pic showing rear of car. Maybe someone can tell by the wrap around section of the quarter panel.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Roanoke Va.
I forgot to mention one other thing I came across. Under doors where side pipes mount, there are 4-5 threaded "nuts" that is where my covers are bolted. These "nuts" are made into the rocker panel. Don't know if a rear mounted exhaust car would have these. (?)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
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From: Roanoke Va.
OK one last ? I tried to search a few different ways but to no avail. I am not being lazy. I know there were 4000 something factory side pipe cars, but what is the exact total? That would be for both conv. and t-top cars. Thanks.
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From: Midlothian VA
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Randy- This is the Yellow BB car that you checked out for me in Kissimmee, Fl. Thanks again. The rear valence has part #3948133 on it so I'm thinking that it is an original part. No molded half circles or any "mud" work that would indicate filling in exhaust outlets.
Capvettes- Vin is 194379S726106 so is that before or after 9320? I know they didn't make 726106 of these so that is the confusion. The fiberglass trimming that you mention in front of the rear wheels, exposing the almost square end of the frame, is done on drivers side but not pass. side. Can't say that I see the reason for this. Just wondering.
Insulation is present on both sides. It appears to have a foil or shiny backing. Definitely old.
I will try to add a pic showing rear of car. Maybe someone can tell by the wrap around section of the quarter panel.
Capvettes- Vin is 194379S726106 so is that before or after 9320? I know they didn't make 726106 of these so that is the confusion. The fiberglass trimming that you mention in front of the rear wheels, exposing the almost square end of the frame, is done on drivers side but not pass. side. Can't say that I see the reason for this. Just wondering.
Insulation is present on both sides. It appears to have a foil or shiny backing. Definitely old.
I will try to add a pic showing rear of car. Maybe someone can tell by the wrap around section of the quarter panel.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi PH,
ANY chance the pipes and mufflers are the originals?
I BELIEVE this tab was original mufflers but isn't on the reproductions.
It's at the lower/rear of the muffler... maybe the rear of the shield was to mount to it, but that s-shaped bracket was designed and used instead?
Regards,
Alan
ANY chance the pipes and mufflers are the originals?
I BELIEVE this tab was original mufflers but isn't on the reproductions.
It's at the lower/rear of the muffler... maybe the rear of the shield was to mount to it, but that s-shaped bracket was designed and used instead?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 2, 2014 at 04:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Alan, I bought these for my 70 BB way back when, probably early 80's over the GM parts counter. They had the tabs you referenced. Just FYI 
Got tired of frying my leg on the hookers.
Got tired of frying my leg on the hookers.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Bull,
That's the location and tab I'm referring to.
I bought my pipes over the counter in March of 1971. I'm thinking they were the same (?) as the production line pipes had been but I'm not sure.
Is that a fiberglass shield? I'm looking for the 'seam' between the center and rear sections of the shield.
Regards,
Alan
That's the location and tab I'm referring to.
I bought my pipes over the counter in March of 1971. I'm thinking they were the same (?) as the production line pipes had been but I'm not sure.
Is that a fiberglass shield? I'm looking for the 'seam' between the center and rear sections of the shield.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 119
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Hi Bull,
That's the location and tab I'm referring to.
I bought my pipes over the counter in March of 1971. I'm thinking they were the same (?) as the production line pipes had been but I'm not sure.
Is that a fiberglass shield? I'm looking for the 'seam' between the center and rear sections of the shield.
Regards,
Alan
That's the location and tab I'm referring to.
I bought my pipes over the counter in March of 1971. I'm thinking they were the same (?) as the production line pipes had been but I'm not sure.
Is that a fiberglass shield? I'm looking for the 'seam' between the center and rear sections of the shield.
Regards,
Alan
Also bought the GM rear valance for sidepipe cars. Then glassed the rear quarter panels. That part looks very stock.
