Judging Question - 1955 Exhaust Paint

[Mark A.]

I’m in the process of a frame off restoration on an original 1955. I just received a technically accurate and exact replacement exhaust system from Garner Exhaust. It is a piece of art in and of itself. I’m very pleased with their work. System is complete with brackets. All exhaust pipe components come with an aluminized finish over steel.

So, I have a judging question. Page 216 of the 1953-55 NCRS Technical Information Manual states that the exhaust system is partially and inconsistently painted after the chassis is flipped. I have observed several high scoring Top Flight 1955 Corvettes. Some paint the exhaust system black but leave all the bracket hardware unpainted which honestly doesn’t makes any sense. I’m sure the factory did not mask off the exhaust hardware when painting the exhaust pipes. Other examples I’ve seen don’t paint the exhaust system at all. As a result, the exhaust system presents well against the black frame background.
But, as noted above, the Judging Manual is quite vague on the subject. So my inclination is to leave the exhaust system unpainted. As I said, it currently has a coating that should prevent rust from a reasonable period of time.

My question is “what’s the point deduction for an unpainted exhaust”..? There’s a total of 20 points for originality and an additional 20 points for condition. This is for mufflers, tail pipes, and brackets. I’m confident that the Gardner Exhaust will gain a full 20 points for originality. And the condition is new. So where does this vague judging manual reference fit into judging points?

[Harry S.]

The condition should be fine.

Only addressing the paint on the exhaust.

Originality, this is a worst case answer. Since we as judges are bound by CDCIF (Configuration, Date, Completeness, Installation, Finish) and each area is worth 20% of the points, the deduction would be on finish. Saying that, 20% of 20 points is a 4 point deduction.

Some might debate and say it's configuration. In either worst case, it's 4 points.

[Don H.]

I believe the system should receive a 25% Standard Deduction in Originality for Aluminized finish. Any Configuration deviations from TFP would be in addition to that.

ps, Mark- if you love your new Gardner system bare, with no paint, leave it just like that, and throw the dice in judging.. It might not receive the Std Ded, (only 5 point at most) and the most important thing is to make your 55 the way you want it.

[Patrick H.]

I believe the system should receive a 25% Standard Deduction in Originality for Aluminized finish. Any Configuration deviations from TFP would be in addition to that.

I had the same thought.

If you paint it, then it can "hide" the aluminized finish. In this case, paint is probably better than no paint.

[Gary B.]

Mark,

Let me preface my question by saying my cat knows almost as much about C1s as I do. So bear with me. First of all, what does the ‘55 Judging Guide say about paint on the exhaust system? Does is say or imply that the system was painted (black?) over every square inch, from where the pipes attach to the exhaust manifold all the way back to the end of rear pipes, including the mufflers? If so, then paint it, as Patrick suggests. Otherwise it should indeed get a 25% standard deduction for the aluminized finish.

Secondly, even though you say it is a “technically accurate and exact replacement exhaust system“, one small phrase in the description on the Garner website would suggest otherwise. Attached is a screen capture of the Garner webpage. Notice it says: ‘2” intermediate pipes that would have been welded to off road mufflers’. If GM originally welded those pipes to the mufflers and the Garner pipes are clamped, then as Don says, that would be a configuration deviation, and that would result in a deduction with some judges. And bear in mind there are judges who will deduct the full 20% if any aspect of the configuration is incorrect. Which means up to a 4 point deduction for configuration just for the lack of that welded connection. Taking the full 20% for just that clamped vs welded connection seems harsh to me, but some judges go by a very strict rubric.

So, worst case scenario, a 25% standard deduction (5 pts) for the aluminized issue, and, 1 to 4 pts for the clamped, not welded connection as a configuration deduction.

And there might be other configuration deviations, perhaps incorrect exhaust clamps. For C2s, most of the modern clamps have 3/8” threads on the U bolts, whereas original clamps had 5/16” threads. I don’t know if the same is true for C1 clamps.

Gary

[Mark A.]

Gary-

You say "Notice it says: ‘2” intermediate pipes that would have been welded to off road mufflers’. If GM originally welded those pipes to the mufflers and the Garner pipes are clamped".

No, the intermediate pipes from Gardner are welded to the mufflers as the original pipes were. That's what the system description is saying. They are not clamped.

Harry-

Thanks for your reply clarifying that paint would be considered as part of the originality.

[Gary B.]

Mark,

In the photo from the Gardner website, I do not see the intermediate pipes being welded to the muffler. I see them separate, requiring a clamp to connect them. Am I not seeing that correctly?

Gary

[Patrick H.]

Gary,

The owner/restorer has to do the welding. For some reason Gardner can't (won't) make a jig to line them up and weld them, requiring the purchaser to have it done.

They're not clamped.

PH

[Gary B.]

Patrick,

Ah, I see. I’m familiar with the C2 system from Gardner, for which the intermediate pipes are also separate from the muffler, but Gardner provides clamps to connect them. Of course the owner can have them welded to get closer to the factory look, but out of convenience some people choose to just use the clamps. I assumed the Gardner C1 system was the same.

Gary

[Patrick H.]

They might provide the clamps, but the real intent is to have them welded for all the generations (C1/2/3) that they provide.
Why would you spend the big $ and then clamp them...?
Then again, I think Gardner is just trying to avoid the "they don't fit" claims by making the purchaser get the welding done.

FYI, Gardner will make the pipes in regular carbon steel upon request if you're after more judging points.

[Gary B.]

Patrick,

I completely understand what you’re saying. However, I was also trying to get clarification about Mark’s statement:

“No, the intermediate pipes from Gardner are welded to the mufflers as the original pipes were.”

That’s not how they are shown in the Gardner webpage photo. It seems to me Mark is saying that Gardner provides the system with that connected welded. That is what still confuses me.

Gary

[Chris S.]

So all good questions
1. The entire exhaust system was "blacked out" when the frame was flipped over
If the system is not blacked out - then appropriate points deductions would be in order.

The current JM page 216 - states that the OE front pipe was welded to the muffler - there is a replacement system and they are welded - if the muffler is clamped - appropriate points deductions would be in order
20230706_075440.jpg
Additionally if the system can be identified as a "replacement" - then appropriate points deductions are appropriate
The clamps and hangers were also blacked out

Chris Sherman

[Chris S.]

Here is another shot looking rearward
20230706_075519.jpg

[Gary B.]

Chris,

Great photos and great explanation. Thanks!

Gary

[Chris S.]

Thank you Gary !
I try hard !!!!