'69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

[Jack O.]

Hi everyone,

Working on a '69 BB with sidepipes. The nuts I removed attaching the sidepipe to the exhaust manifold are specially shaped and I have some questions about them. I see vendors sell a 'crimp' nut and I have found similarly shaped nuts at the hardware store labelled 'all steel lock nut'. I'm wondering if they are the same or at least serve the same purpose, i.e. resist loosening.

I have another sidepipe car that, per recommendation of another Corvette enthusiast, I have used extra long (~ 1") brass nuts for years which have worked great. Never loosened and no problem removing. So I'm debating on whether I should just go with the wide brass nuts again or go with something closer to what was originally used but will rust. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Hi everyone,

Working on a '69 BB with sidepipes. The nuts I removed attaching the sidepipe to the exhaust manifold are specially shaped and I have some questions about them. I see vendors sell a 'crimp' nut and I have found similarly shaped nuts at the hardware store labelled 'all steel lock nut'. I'm wondering if they are the same or at least serve the same purpose, i.e. resist loosening.

I have another sidepipe car that, per recommendation of another Corvette enthusiast, I have used extra long (~ 1") brass nuts for years which have worked great. Never loosened and no problem removing. So I'm debating on whether I should just go with the wide brass nuts again or go with something closer to what was originally used but will rust. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jack

Jack------

The original nuts were a special lock nut. Hardware store all steel lock nuts, while somewhat different in configuration, will serve the same purpose. However, if you use any of these type nuts, the installation will be "permanent" as you'll probably never be able to remove the nuts. NEVER use locknuts with a nylon insert. They will not endure exhaust heat.

I've always used the long brass nuts with lockwashers (for whatever minimal good the lockwashers serve). From time-to-time, you might have to re-tighten these, though. However, if you use the sintered steel "do-nut" gaskets, they will go a LOT longer between tightenings. I ALWAYS use the sintered steel gaskets although they are not original for Corvettes.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Thanks Joe. I'll go with the brass again and I did purchase some Fel Pro sintered steel gaskets to use. I can't remember where I bought those brass nuts. Neither Lowes nor my local Tru Value had them. Any suggestion of where I might find them?

--Jack

[Mathew S.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Corvette Central has the brass nuts.

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Corvette Central has the brass nuts.

Mathew and Jack-------


Auto parts stores usually have them as a set of 3 in the "HELP!" carded section. They usually are supplied with the studs but they're pretty economical even if you don't use the studs. The supplied studs are zinc plated steel. I use ONLY stainless steel studs for this application.

[Mike M.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

to my knowledge, nobody repos the nuts that are identical to originals. corvette central does offer a similar, but definitely not identical lock nut and it's not a plasticized nut which joe lucia refers to. i agree with joe---dont use the plasticized hardware store variety. mike

[Richard T.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Try your local NAPA or any old auto parts store.

[Douglas L.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

The "top lock" style nuts available at the hardware store are typically shorter than the ones used at the factory, not sure about the ones available at the auto parts store.

[Russ S.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

I have never had a problem removing a self locking nut from this application unless it has been on for many years and has become very rusted, in whigh case you will have issues removing no matter what you use. Also lock washers do a great job keeping nuts tight so much so that very often when you go to remove the nut the lock washer had dug into the nut and or the seat to the point that it will slice a chip of steel away. They are used in most applictions worldwide. Ive never has to worry about nuts with a lock washer coming loose on it's own.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 Exhaust Manifold to Exhaust Pipe Nut Choices

Thanks for the help everyone!