72 Exhaust , Bezels and Extension Refinishing

[Joe S.]

Can the 72 Exhaust Bezels and Extensions be refinished/plated? If so, where/who?

I purchased repro's in the meantime. Cheap not-correct-fitting-made-in-china junk. The originals were heavy duty and fit much better. The originals, however, are are rusted and pitted some. If they can't be refinished, where can I get some decent ones?

Also, were the mufflers and intermediary pipes one piece, or were the mufflers separate with their own clamps? I see them available both ways but could not find in the JG which way is correct.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 Exhaust , Bezels and Extension Refinishing

Don-----

The muffler extensions can be repaired and replated. There's no problem there, at all. Specialty shops do this all the time. Look for a chrome shop that specializes in motorcycle stuff for the "biker" trade. For these pieces, I'd recommend that you do have them repaired and replated. It won't be cheap, though.

The bezels are another matter. These are made of zinc diecast material (i.e. "pot metal"). It's much more difficult to replate these, especially if they need finish repair. Most platers won't do it. However, there are specialty shops that do this sort of work. You will probably find some in Hemmings. If they're capable of doing these, then they'll be able to do the extensions, too. Once again, it won't be cheap.

Keep in mind, though, that the bezels will deteriorate rather quickly after refinishing if you drive the car very much. They are just not that capable of standing up to exhaust heat. They'll blister.

As far as exhaust configuration goes, all 1972 Corvettes had the rear exhaust pipe welded at the muffler. Only 4 clamps were used in the PRODUCTION configuration-----2 at the juncture of the front and rear exhaust pipes at the "ox-bow" clamp and 2 retaining the extension tips to the mufflers.