Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

[Richard G.]

Everyone;

In the late 70's I purchased a GM Over the counter exhaust for my 63. This was to replace the aftermarket side exhaust that had been installed by a previous owner. The car was driven for a year or two after that and has not moved on its own since. The exhaust system has been stored off the car in my garage attic since then. My question is the frame and motor have been restored and looks fantastic. I just installed the used exhaust system and it looks bad especially compared to the rest of the car. I am considering purchasing a stock style aluminized replacement exhaust system. The GM system is was what you could get then, not exactly correct for the 63. Where the pipes fit together at the transmission mount differs in 63. I had the factory pipe flared to mimic the 63 system. Other than that is is stock with the GM part numbers embossed into the pipes and the rust one would expect from such a aged system. The muffles have both mounts (C2 & C3) welded on the outlet side. Interesting the tops of the mufflers were coated in a black protectant and the bottoms were not. I would like to have the car judged at some point and was wondering what the points difference might be between the two systems? What would you do, keep the OEM system or go with aluminized?
Input appreciated.
Rick Geier

[Jeff W.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

Depending on the day and the judge my money says the odds are even, resulting in approximately the same scoring. Maybe my comment will bump your question up to a more seasoned judge.

[Edward J.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

Rich. I think the factory pipes and mufflers have a different sound with the double wall construction (better) , it will sound different than the corvette venders exhaust. I would think that you could sand blast pipes, or get a few different grits of sand paper and clean the up the then steel wool them, each exhaust system will have deducts, the GM replacement will be 4 pts,(date, conf). other venders exhaust will be 4 pts (date,finish,) hangers and clamps must also be correct.

[Gene M.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

Rick, do what ever you end up preferring as both configurations are not as original and wrong anyway.

[Paul O.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

Rick

My preference to see is as close to original exhaust system on a car. My other C3 judges have a saying in surface rust we trust. The configuration of the over the counter system of the mufflers and rear pipes if welded together should be as close to the original setup as you could get. Ed is also correct hangers and clamps need to also be there to. But one has to remember an Aluminized replacement would receive a 25% standard deduction only per the JRM. But it is still you choice the only person you need to make happy is yourself not a judge. You go home with the car not us judges.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

I'd also consider artfully removing the extra hangers, and when you apply blackout, you will cover up the evidence.

In addition, there are chemicals out that can remove the exterior rust, or at least most of it, to get you closer to its original appearance. Then you let it rust again and you'll be there. In addition, since 63s had most of the exhaust blacked out, that will cover up a lot of what you see.

[Mark S.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

Be careful if you purchase an exhaust system from one of the vendors. The tail pipes for my car were bent in the opposite direction so I had to turn them around and have them flared out on the other ends. I know that this happened to others also. In addition to that, I had to have the passenger side head pipe reworked.

[Mark E.]

Re: Keep used/rusty GM Over the counter exhaust or go with aluminized replacement?

In addition, there are chemicals out that can remove the exterior rust, or at least most of it, to get you closer to its original appearance. Then you let it rust again and you'll be there.

In this situation, I would explore this option. Spot test a few rust removal products and see how they work. I used Evapo-Rust which is non-toxic (or at least not skin irritating) on a rusty wiper door motor. It removed the rust and left a nice patina look.