Since the mufflers need replacing on my 65 coupe, I have decided to mount the side exhausts which have been laying around since I found them some time ago. My car is mostly a driver, but could be considered a restoration candidate. In excellent shape with almost all original parts. I have been told that the rocker molding mounts must be removed to mount the side exhaust. Is this so? Is there another way? I am reluctant to saw these off and compromise the originality of the car. Any advice much appreciated.
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Re: rocker panel mount removal for side exhaust
Howdy Jim,
If you install GM's side exhaust system made for 65' thru 67' Corvettes you WILL be cutting your fiberglas body in at least 4 places, more if you follow the AIM. If this means nothing to you, go ahead (I did). Be prepared to possibly take a hit on price when you sell. Be advised these pipes are loud, on any trip out of town my wife and I use ear plugs. I love the looks of side pipes, but once you put them on, be prepared to leave em' on. They will be expensive to remove. Bill -
Re: rocker panel supports removal for side exhaust
Jim, Try putting them on first before you saw off the supports. My car has side exhaust (65) and mine are sawed off about an inch or two from the bottom. I don't know if they would show hanging down below the pipe covers or not. If they don't, I sure wouldn't remove them. Let me know how it looks. Bob
Texas Chapter NCRSComment
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Re: rocker panel mount removal for side exhaust
Jim --- I have a '65 with side exhaust added in '83 (prior owner). You have to bend the rocker mounting brackets inward about 3/4 inch (at the tip), starting about 2" up. You'll need a heavy set of vise grips and a block of wood (between bracket and frame) above the bend point. Don't ever cut them off, unless you're trying to imitate the original N14 factory config. (difficult to do 100%, especially if your '65 is earlier than VIN 09xxx). As to the cuts in the fibreglass mentioned by others, the only place that MUST be cut is where each cover curves in towards the motor. If you jig-saw this part off, save it for future re-conversion. The other arc cuts near the tailpipe are unnecessary (IMO).Comment
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Re: rocker panel mount removal for side exhaust
Jim I am one of those guys that always wanted a -66 side exhaust car, so when I bought mine several years ago before I even heard of the NCRS I added side pipes.I got the kit from one of the major suppliers and followed the assembly manual. Wayne hit it right on the head as to how I did (bent the brackets and only cut the front fiberglass - I saved the front cut offs too just in case I wanted to return to under car exhaust Have fun, PeteComment
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