Side Exhaust Question
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Side Exhaust Question
I've read a few posts on putting side pipes on a C3. It looks like the rocker panels need to come off to put on the side pipes, my question is do they get put back on?
We are doing a surprise fix up on a friends car as a gift. It is a '69 and we want to put the side exhaust on it. It doesn't have any rocker panels on it.
Do we need to get new rocker panels or does the side exhaust replace the panels? If I need replacements is there a recommended place to get them or is Ebay, etc just fine?
I am a c5 owner so excuse any errors.
We are doing a surprise fix up on a friends car as a gift. It is a '69 and we want to put the side exhaust on it. It doesn't have any rocker panels on it.
Do we need to get new rocker panels or does the side exhaust replace the panels? If I need replacements is there a recommended place to get them or is Ebay, etc just fine?
I am a c5 owner so excuse any errors.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I've read a few posts on putting side pipes on a C3. It looks like the rocker panels need to come off to put on the side pipes, my question is do they get put back on?
We are doing a surprise fix up on a friends car as a gift. It is a '69 and we want to put the side exhaust on it. It doesn't have any rocker panels on it.
Do we need to get new rocker panels or does the side exhaust replace the panels? If I need replacements is there a recommended place to get them or is Ebay, etc just fine?
I am a c5 owner so excuse any errors.
We are doing a surprise fix up on a friends car as a gift. It is a '69 and we want to put the side exhaust on it. It doesn't have any rocker panels on it.
Do we need to get new rocker panels or does the side exhaust replace the panels? If I need replacements is there a recommended place to get them or is Ebay, etc just fine?
I am a c5 owner so excuse any errors.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
If you are using an aftermarket kit, the manufacturer should specify whether the pipes will fit over the rocker panels.
If you are using the original 69 factory sidepipe set up, the assembly instruction manual shows the installation and where the fiberglass has to be trimmed.
If you are using the original 69 factory sidepipe set up, the assembly instruction manual shows the installation and where the fiberglass has to be trimmed.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Have a 68 and had to trim the rockers just a tad where the pipes exit the engine bay. To reinstall them you take off the rear tires and slide them back into place and tighten the hardware and your done.
My assumption was you're using Hookers or OBX type sidepipes. If OEM style the side pipe covers are used in place of the rocker mouldings, they use the same mounting holes.
My assumption was you're using Hookers or OBX type sidepipes. If OEM style the side pipe covers are used in place of the rocker mouldings, they use the same mounting holes.
Last edited by 1Fordman; Jun 4, 2014 at 03:13 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Wow, great friends.
If the side pipes in question are the original 69 style covers over the side pipes, then the covers replace the rocker trim. No other parts are required.
If you are using a Hooker style chrome pipes, then you will need rocker trim panels. Depending on the particular set of pipes, you may need to notch the rocker trim panels to clear the incoming pipes.
The 69 rocker trims were two pieces for either side. They are almost twice as expensive to replace as the later models single piece aluminum.
The later models will work and can be painted to look more like the 69 two piece style.
As for where to get them, originals are pricey if in good shape. Repops are available but there are fitment issues with what's currently available, if you are very particular.
Ebay is a good place to start. Check for sale here too.
If the side pipes in question are the original 69 style covers over the side pipes, then the covers replace the rocker trim. No other parts are required.
If you are using a Hooker style chrome pipes, then you will need rocker trim panels. Depending on the particular set of pipes, you may need to notch the rocker trim panels to clear the incoming pipes.
The 69 rocker trims were two pieces for either side. They are almost twice as expensive to replace as the later models single piece aluminum.
The later models will work and can be painted to look more like the 69 two piece style.
As for where to get them, originals are pricey if in good shape. Repops are available but there are fitment issues with what's currently available, if you are very particular.
Ebay is a good place to start. Check for sale here too.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Wow, great friends.
If the side pipes in question are the original 69 style covers over the side pipes, then the covers replace the rocker trim. No other parts are required.
If you are using a Hooker style chrome pipes, then you will need rocker trim panels. Depending on the particular set of pipes, you may need to notch the rocker trim panels to clear the incoming pipes.
The 69 rocker trims were two pieces for either side. They are almost twice as expensive to replace as the later models single piece aluminum.
The later models will work and can be painted to look more like the 69 two piece style.
As for where to get them, originals are pricey if in good shape. Repops are available but there are fitment issues with what's currently available, if you are very particular.
Ebay is a good place to start. Check for sale here too.
If the side pipes in question are the original 69 style covers over the side pipes, then the covers replace the rocker trim. No other parts are required.
If you are using a Hooker style chrome pipes, then you will need rocker trim panels. Depending on the particular set of pipes, you may need to notch the rocker trim panels to clear the incoming pipes.
The 69 rocker trims were two pieces for either side. They are almost twice as expensive to replace as the later models single piece aluminum.
The later models will work and can be painted to look more like the 69 two piece style.
As for where to get them, originals are pricey if in good shape. Repops are available but there are fitment issues with what's currently available, if you are very particular.
Ebay is a good place to start. Check for sale here too.
I will hopefully have some pictures soon that might clarify things a bit.
