Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

[Tom P.]

Does anyone here have knowledge or personal experience with the quality/fit/finish of the exhaust chrome pieces (6-pieces) from Corvette Central for the 56-57 cars? I need to replace 4 pieces (should have done it several years ago) and they are having a small special on parts, so this seems like a good time to break down and buy them.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Tom,
I picked up a set of CC 56-57 rear chrome last year at Carlisle from a seller who didn;t need it(new packaged parts).
They looked OK but I never put them on the car, sold them.
I prefer to get used original parts and rechrome them.

[Dan D.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Tom, I bought a set from CC a couple of years ago. They look okay but I don't have them on the car yet. My guess would be that they are flash chrome.
How bad are yours? Can they be restored? -Dan-

[Gary C.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Tom,

Have never measured the lower vertical that goes down the lower fender curve, so don't know the length of that piece compared to a vertical.

Do know that we some on the Judging field that are longer and go past the spot on the underside of the fender body seams than they should.

Same goes for front horizontal bumpers protruding into the wheel well.

Gary
....

[Tom P.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Tom,

Have never measured the lower vertical that goes down the lower fender curve, so don't know the length of that piece compared to a vertical.

Do know that we some on the Judging field that are longer and go past the spot on the underside of the fender body seams than they should.

Same goes for front horizontal bumpers protruding into the wheel well.

Gary
....

How about the upper spears and the bezels, what's their quality and finish like? I need to replace both upper spears and one bezel.
No, the ones on the car now are not candidates for replating. They are chrome plated CAST ALUM. I want to replace them with (as correct as possible) steel parts (I've only had these alum pieces on the car since 75!!! ).

[Gary C.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Tom,

Don't recall any problems on the upper spears. Have used CC's center bezels several times with replayed originals. Recall a tad bit of rework to align screw holes. Nice plating, etc. Don't know if CC makes themselves or not.

Gary
....

[Mike G.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

i put a set on my 57 and they looked fine. never got dinged for them. mine came from cc

[Steven B.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Years ago I compared repro set to an original at Pate. The bottom piece was longer---IIRC about 1/2-3/4 inch?? The set I saw also had a different crease on the top and bottom spears. Reminded me somewhat of the grilll teeth differences along the crease of repros vs. originals. I don't know who the manufacturer was as the repros were loose and not packaged.

Steve

[Adam S.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

I have a mix of paragon upper & CC lowers + centers.... NICE!!!

I compared repops to a few originals that were shot & only difference are center lines are more define & thats side by side, you really can not tell when on car unless you are that ANAL! I prefered the repops! I did have to adjust holes on tops & centers to get spacing as close to equal on both sides....... The lower exhaust chrome should be no problem as you never see most of them when bolted on way down there.
I will say how close you dare tighten down on them will get them that much closer to the paint even with the rubber paint savers! I find the glass bodies are more a problem than the chrome attachment parts.......No one body is the same!
To sum it up from my expr. The 2000 year generation re pops are very nice these days especially when compaired to the cast alum. & split piece ones of early 80's & 90's....... I added pictures, please excuse the dust......

[Tom P.]

Re: Quality of Repro exhaust chrome for 56-57

Thanks!!!
I appreciate all the info. I ordered two uppers and one bezel. I passed on the lower. I called CC and talked to David (he's been with CC almost 30yrs), and he quickly acknowledged that the lowers were a little long and the contour was not quite correct.