When a Corvette was to have option N14 (side mounted exhaust) installed at the factory, was the front and rear quarter panels cut away before or after it was painted? In other words, were the jagged cuts of the quarter panels painted or not? Thanks guys!

 

65convrat,

That's a good question since there is some doubt whether or not the Corvettes with AO Smith bodies had the factory side exhaust modifications made before or after they arrived in St. Louis. It more especially has to do with whether or not the rocker molding brackets on the AO Smith bodies, which were spot welded to the birdcage, were installed prior to their arrival and later removed at St. Louis or not installed at all at the AO Smith plant for the orders with the N14 side exhaust option. Someone with more knowledge may be able to clarify the facts, though. In fact, there has been some discussion that the AO Smith bodies were NOT used at all for Corvettes ordered with the N14 side exhaust option...something which I'd like to hear more about sometime.

The lower front and rear quarter panel side-cuts that you mention are for the most part fairly straight and precise. But I have seen a factory original rough-cut variation before. The semi-circular cut inside the lower rear fenderwell is "usually" jagged or rough in appearance. TBarr


In addition, to get to your question, my best guess is that the body was modified first and then painted since the side exhaust option required a "solid" rear valence panel without the undercar exhaust rear openings. The rear valence panel was painted at the same time the body would have been painted and at that point the N14 modifications should have been known and in place. I could be mistaken, though. TBarr


[Modified by T Barr, 2:42 AM 9/27/2001]