Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

[Chuck M.]

We are looking to replace then N-11 off road exhaust system on our L-79 corvette. I have seen a couple of places to buy but dont have much experience with them. I know Allen's sells stainless and aluminized systems but correct me if im wrong but neither of these choices are correct are they? I thought the exhaust was straight steel and not stainless or aluminized.
Who should I consider buying from for the most correct system and can anyone share their experiences with some of the vendors/suppliers out there.

Thanks for the help

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

I would suggest that you contact Gardner's Exhaust at www.gardnerexhaust.com for what should be the most correct system available today

[Rick S.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Boy, it is rough having "CRS" but I thought I read somewhere that Allen's bought a few thousand sets of NOS sidepipes but wanted your firstborn to be be able to obtain them. Anyone else out there able to confirm this or did I have too many "after dinner" drinks?

Rick

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Boy, it is rough having "CRS" but I thought I read somewhere that Allen's bought a few thousand sets of NOS sidepipes but wanted your firstborn to be be able to obtain them. Anyone else out there able to confirm this or did I have too many "after dinner" drinks?

Rick

Rick, he did buy all the remaining sets of N-14 exhaust pipes. He has more of one side than the other. He is cutting the head pipe off and changing it to fit the other side

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Currently Gardner's do not supply the "One-Piece" pipes, they will require welding the mufflers to the pipes and the MAY offer to do so.
H. a. N. D.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Michael, I believe that this is done to make them shippable at regular rates, not the penalty for oversized items. The weld is at the entrance to the muffler. An accomplished welder should be able to weld them together with the bead looking original. If you remember the originals were welded there.

[Chuck M.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Thanks guys for the input. Where would I find information on how the bead should look? Do you think its worth asking if Gardner's would weld the muffler on and pay the extra shipping or is this something, if explained properly a good welder should be able to do, assuming the welder knows nothing about how the weld looked from the factory.

Thanks again!
Chuck

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Hi Chuck
Sure, I would talk to them primarily as to what they would use as a reference for the weld pattern, as well as cost and shipping of the single units.
Actually, most judges just look for the welded single piece units. If the mufflers are not clamped, you will probably be good to go.
Perhaps someone could post a pic of an original weld or, better yet offer you access to an original car. I know there are several in your neighborhood.
Hope this helps.
H.a. N. D.

[Gary J.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

At this time Gardner is not offering the N11 off road exhaust muffller. They are looking for an orginal one so they can cut it open to examine the baffles and placement of them.

If anyone has an original N11 muffler that wants to help the hobby then contact them.

This is going be the only way that we be able to get a correct N11 muffler reproduced.

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Well most judges were just looking to see if they were single piece units. After the previous posts the judges are now looking to see if the welds are correct.

[Kent K.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

Thanks guys for the input. Where would I find information on how the bead should look? Do you think its worth asking if Gardner's would weld the muffler on and pay the extra shipping or is this something, if explained properly a good welder should be able to do, assuming the welder knows nothing about how the weld looked from the factory.

Thanks again!
Chuck

A proper weld would look like a series of C's stacked at the same distances. At least that's what I learned for a fillet weld. I just looked at my NOS '69 side exhaust pipes and the welds on both sides don't look like welds at all, rather like a silvery-gray paste that has been smoothed out like caulking at the pipe to muffler joint. Evidently quality control and inspection of welds was somewhat lacking. I guess, if they didn't leak, that's all that mattered. How they were tested is a guess.

[Kent K.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

What I don't understand is how this thread changed from a '67 N11 Off Road Exhaust System question by the originator to a discussion of remaining side exhaust systems purchased by Allen's.

[Chuck M.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

At this time Gardner is not offering the N11 off road exhaust muffller. They are looking for an orginal one so they can cut it open to examine the baffles and placement of them.

If anyone has an original N11 muffler that wants to help the hobby then contact them.

This is going be the only way that we be able to get a correct N11 muffler reproduced.

Is there anyone offering the N11 muffler these days? If not then what do most people do in a situation like this?
Thanks again for all the help.
Chuck

[Gary J.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

I would think what most people are doing is just putting regular mufflers on instead bidding some crazy price on ebay.

[Mark L.]

Re: Correct 1967 Corvette exhaust

I just spoke with the folks at Gardner's. He is, in fact, looking for a "well worn" N11 muffler that he won't feel bad about cutting up to use as a model. I really hope he finds one as I offered to sacrifice a new one if all else fails.
I suggested that he also consider offering the welded version with mild steel pipe in place of aluminized pipe. He seems to be the type of guy who wants to get it correct! His business is about 3 hours away from me so I may make a visit to his shop at some point. I'll keep you all posted if there is any news.