Side Pipe Installation
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Lutz Florida
Side Pipe Installation
I am installing a set of Doug's D380 headers and side pipes on my '69. I did not have any fitment issues within the engine compartment. My question is: Do the flanges on the side pipes mount to the rocker panel, or to the frame? The instructions say: Insert T bolt into the hole in the rocker panel. This leaves the hardware exposed. (With a big blue rubber bushing showing.) And it seems very weak. I tried a forum search, and a google search, and couldn't find any good pictures of the pipe mounting flanges installed. I have read some posts about guys having trouble re-installing the rocker panels after installing their pipes. If anyone has any pictures of their installation, I would appreciate seeing them. Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
The t-bolts go into slots in the frame, then after all is mounted, the rocker panels can be put back on, may have to trim them. Sometimes it helps to remove the rear tire and slide the rocker panels from the rear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,682
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From: Akron Ohio
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As mentioned, there should be oval slots in the frame you put the bolts into (see below). They can be tricky to hold in place while you put the pipe on so I installed some internal star lock washers on them to keep them from falling in the frame.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 216
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From: Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire
Graham
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 205
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From: Plano Texas
I just got done with this install - You'll LOVE the sound!
a few tips I found useful:
You can tie some floss to the end of the T bolt so if you drop it into the frame you can pull it back out. I used this one too many times to admit.
Watch the angle of the flanges. Both of my mounts were welded such that the pipe angles slightly upward and the door wouldn't clear it on my 68. Ended up with a torch and some muscle to bend it down to where it is supposed to open - horizontally.
Lastly, TRIPLE CHECK all the wires in your engine compartment to make sure they are clear of the headers. I have a thread on here right now trying to remedy the disaster that was a starter power cord fusing and shorting out on one of my headers and nearly burning my baby to the ground!
Hud
a few tips I found useful:
You can tie some floss to the end of the T bolt so if you drop it into the frame you can pull it back out. I used this one too many times to admit.
Watch the angle of the flanges. Both of my mounts were welded such that the pipe angles slightly upward and the door wouldn't clear it on my 68. Ended up with a torch and some muscle to bend it down to where it is supposed to open - horizontally.
Lastly, TRIPLE CHECK all the wires in your engine compartment to make sure they are clear of the headers. I have a thread on here right now trying to remedy the disaster that was a starter power cord fusing and shorting out on one of my headers and nearly burning my baby to the ground!
Hud
