Exhaust tips

[Valeria H.]

Re: Exhaust tips

I spoke with Rick Fortier today about this issue and was told that '60 vettes did not have exhaust tips (as he owns a '58). Original photos as portraited in Mike Mueller's book of C1 cars have the look of chrome exhaust tips. They really look "bling".
He suggested having someone weld a piece of chrome onto the exhaust pipes that do not extend beyond the bumper to correct the problem of the collection of exhaust waste on the car. He said he could do it but is located in Michigan and I am in Charlotte, NC.
Does anyone have a contact in this NC/SC boundary area that would be able to do this? I know this is asking alot.
Valeria

[D S.]

Re: Exhaust tips

Valeria,
As Warren points out it is Richard Fortier of Paragon fame. I've not seen the finished product but I would expect they are real nice. I am aware of a couple of people whom have bought them and they seem satisfied. Lets see how the judges feel.

I have personally seen and currently have one side of Fortier's 1970 -1971 exhaust tips for show and tell. He sent me a finished prototype 1st Design (no welded seam) tip to show at Corvette events. They are as close to originals as they can get right down to the thickness of the steel, the sloppy welding around the back plate, how the back plate is inserted into the spout, the V and slot cutouts on the pipes, angle of the spout, beveled edges, etc. The tip he sent me is shinier than originals but then....aren't most restored Corvettes? People who saw and held the tip were quite impressed with the detail and quality.
So far he is producing only the 1970-1972 tips but he hinted he might be jumping into the '68-'69 tips. He said he was offering discounts to NCRS members.

Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Don L.]

Re: Exhaust tips

I must second what Scott says above. I went to Richard's shop a few times and visited while he was in the development and prototyping stages. I've been working with Richard on a couple projects of late, both Corvette and business.

I shared photos of some known originals with him, and together with inputs from others on this board, Richard came up with an excellent likeness of orig '70, '71 and '72 tips. (They looked good enough for me to buy - so I did.)

He told me a couple weeks ago that he IS working on developing a '68-'69 tip. It should be easier, in that they are only round vs formed shape.

I definitely recommend these tips. His attention to detail, without "overdoing" the appearance is phenomenal, not to mention he's a nice guy.