77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

[Michael B.]

Hi Folks,

Now that my 77 is finally a rolling chassis (my god it looks good on fresh tires) some of the details are biting me. I can't find sources or good reference material for the original hangers and shields. I have the GM restoration hanger at the transmission but I can't find the hanger behind this, where the pipe goes under the frame (the flat spot on the crossover pipe).

Are there any good diagrams available. I'd even fab parts for function if required but the factory manual (page 334) is not a great representation.

Have others found sources for this and the shields or is this always a search for NOS ??? (now where did I put that 20,000 pound press??)

Thanks for the help as always.

Michael B.

[Joe L.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

Hi Folks,

Now that my 77 is finally a rolling chassis (my god it looks good on fresh tires) some of the details are biting me. I can't find sources or good reference material for the original hangers and shields. I have the GM restoration hanger at the transmission but I can't find the hanger behind this, where the pipe goes under the frame (the flat spot on the crossover pipe).

Are there any good diagrams available. I'd even fab parts for function if required but the factory manual (page 334) is not a great representation.

Have others found sources for this and the shields or is this always a search for NOS ??? (now where did I put that 20,000 pound press??)

Thanks for the help as always.

Michael B.

Michael-----


Are you referring to the GM #357781 hanger and GM #357781 clamp? If so, Dr. Rebuild MIGHT still have some NOS stock for these pieces. I don't think they are currently reproduced.

I don't know of a source for the GM #371776 and GM #356918 shields.

[Jack H.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

I agree with Joe (no repro source for the shields). Typically, you see them on eBay from time to time either NOS parts that someone had squirreled away OR decent used originals re-claimed from scrap yard cars.

If you can't find the parts from the 'typical' sources (e.g. Paragon Vintage vs. Paragon), consider searching the archives to find a Corvette specialty bone yard who might have a set of used originals from a doner car...

[Michael B.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

Thanks for both replies guys. Yes, Joe, we are talking about the same parts.
I like the boneyard option. I've been buying stuff from Corvel for several years, so I think I'll pay him a visit next trip to Denver.

If I fabricate a functional replacement while I'm searching for the real thing, does anyone know the gauge of the original shields. I'm guessing maybe 18 gauge stainless??

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

Thanks for both replies guys. Yes, Joe, we are talking about the same parts.
I like the boneyard option. I've been buying stuff from Corvel for several years, so I think I'll pay him a visit next trip to Denver.

If I fabricate a functional replacement while I'm searching for the real thing, does anyone know the gauge of the original shields. I'm guessing maybe 18 gauge stainless??

Thanks.

Michael-----


I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think the shields were stainless. My recollection of them is that they were not. Also, during this period GM rarely used stainless steel for exhaust system and related parts except certain items that could also be considered "decorative trim".

As a result of the fact that these pieces were likely not stainless, I think you will find that used pieces will suffer from corrosion damage to one degree or another.

[Tom R.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

If I fabricate a functional replacement while I'm searching for the real thing, does anyone know the gauge of the original shields. I'm guessing maybe 18 gauge stainless?

Michael:

There were four shields, Joe references two and as Jack comments, these are offered routinely on eBay. You reference the one at the crossover, another that bolts to the differential, the cat converter shield and the extension pipe shield from the front header pipe to the cat converter.

One I removed these for cleaning from my Bowtie car, I noted the finished as galvanized steel. I can take a micrometer (is that a word) and measure the gauge later (it's early right now).

[Jack H.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

I also had a pair of NOS pipe shield that I picked up at a swap meet and found a 'home' for on eBay... Unfortunately, they're gone now and I can't comment on material/construction or thickness. All I remember is they were pretty light weight.

If they were ordinary stamped steel, then they coated/plated in some way to make 'em shine. Perhaps they were made from SS...

Last, my hunch is you can get a shield set from Keith Beyersdorf at Corvelle Automotive in Denver. Keith specializes in parting out Shark era cars in addition to doing day to day maintenance and restoration.

But, instead of dropping by the next time you're in Denver, why not ring him up and ask? You can reach Keith at (303) 777-2020...

[Michael B.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

Thanks for the photo's. This and the assembly manual will make it much easier to fab until I can get to Keith. I have bought stuff from Keith for several years. It's just easier sometimes to visit him than have things shipped to Canada. He's a great source and I have a big list for him.

I'll keep watching ebay as well. What I see there now looks like NOS.

Thanks all.
Greatly appreciated.

[Tom R.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

If I fabricate a functional replacement while I'm searching for the real thing, does anyone know the gauge of the original shields. I'm guessing maybe 18 gauge stainless?.

Michael

didn't realize how rusty I've gotten with reading a micrometer but the long shield over the extension pipe between header crossover pipe and the cat is .035. The shield that bolts to the differential is .045. It's measured in inches whatever that computes to versus metric.

The NOS parts Jack shows may be a 77 but it's not a 78 shield...looks like a two piece shield but I've never seen it on a Corvette and I do chassis judging but check your AIM. My aim (78) shows a one piece and I suspect it did not change from 77 to 78.

[Michael B.]

Re: 77 Exhaust Hangers and shields

Thanks for the extra effort Tom.
18 gauge - .0478
20 gauge - .0359
and I can see items popping up on Ebay as well.