1969 Sidepipe Covers

[James G.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

I have a '69 sb which is equipped with side pipes. The car has a Feb 11, 1969 build date. I purchased the car in 1976 from the second owner who purchased the car in 1970 from the original owner. I have contacted the original owner who verified that the car was ordered and delivered with side pipes. The car is very original with a Duntov and one star.The second owner removed the original side pipes and replaced them with Hooker Headers. He gave me the original side pipes when I purchased the car. The original side pipes have the metal strap welded to the muffler and the riveted clip on the covers. The holes in the two do not match on either side. Sometime after I bought the car, I purchased a set of pipes and covers from a Chevrolet dealer. These pipes have the metal strap welded to the pipe and the holes for the Z shaped bracket in the cover. There are two holes in each end (four total) of the covers. There are no holes in the frame to accommodate the Z shaped bracket connection.

[Shannon U.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

I really do hate to do this but let us bring this topic up again. I am looking for firm references which document this 'theory' of two versus three designs of side pipe cars in 1969. I have combed high and low including the NCRS archives, Bizzoco 69 guidebook, Dobbins C3 guide, AIM and the new (and old) 69 JRM on this topic and can not find reference to these design variations. I was informed there were possibly two designs and this is the only reference from Mark considering THREE! I currently am blessed to own two 350/350 original documented side pipe cars. I recently have purchased a 38,000 mile October car which has OEM installed which are confirmed by the previous two owners to have not been replaced. It has the traditionally documented two holes and z bar attachments. My second 350/350 had been converted to undermount exhaust many years ago and I am not sure how to correctly replicate it's OEM. It is a mid March car and again is documented. I am not convinced in these multiple design variations running through the year. I wonder where the over-the-counter replacements come into play as well. I wonder if there is a design difference with the SB vs BB.. Where do these transitions occur in S/N's? I do realize we are dealing with a pretty small subset of cars. I would love to see some picture of (thought to be) ORIGINAL cars and to have anyone weigh in including pictures. FYI: Bob, I still might need those covers! LOL!!! Thanks in advance for any input or information!!!

[Gary H.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Currently in Hong Kong. I will post some pics of my original 69 covers when I get back to miami. They were repainted with my july 69 427 in 1987. A friend in miami also has an original paint survivor 69 427 with sidepipes that I can get some pics of for comparison. He changed the pipes a few years ago to Allens but covers are still 100% original to his car.

There are also some differences in the actual production pipes and the service or over the counter pipes. Welds are slightly different and spacing between the actual pipe and where the weld to the muffler is also different.

Gary

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Hi Shannon,
Here are a couple of pictures of the set I bought "over the counter" in March of 1971.
The rear of the muffler has the 'tab' on it, while the shields are drilled with 2 holes, as are the insulators.
The 2 holes appear to have been the intent at the time of production of these covers since the chrome plating extends down into the counter-sunk area of the holes.
I had a total of 3 sets of shields in 1971-1972, and they all had the 2 hole configuration.
Regards,
Alan

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[Alan S.]

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[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Here are few photos of a Bowtie display car from this years Nationals with what is considered first design. Then of another side exhaust car with what is considered 2nd design but many or all the fasteners are not original. My understanding is 2nd design appeared around S/N 26,000 to 27,000. My thoughts about the change of design is that any movement or vibration of the muffler would be transmitted to the body due to the direct connection. Also the cover could be damaged over time due to the movement. The 2nd design separated the cover and the muffler hence no direct connection. 3rd design most likely only over the counter service center has Z bar mount holes at both ends can be used LT or RT.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

More photos.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

More photos

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Now 2nd and 3rd design.

[Edward B.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Paul, the first picture in your post #24 (just above this post) is what mine look like (see attached). My car was assembled on October 21st, 1969 so it's a "late" build. Mine don't have the screw holes at the front and the rear though. Just the rear. I'm assuming mine are the second design???

Ed

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

I have a set like the OP which I believe to be original on my March 3, 1969 built car.Richard

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Hi,
My March 71 center shield pieces have the 2 holes at just one end but only 1 part number, so were drilled to be left or right handed before being plated.
Regards,
Alan

[Shannon U.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Thanks Alan. I know this is an early car but will try to put a S/N with the picture.

[Shannon U.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Thanks Paul. I had not had a chance to post the pictures I took of this one in KC. This car is S/N 19320.

[Shannon U.]

Re: 1969 Sidepipe Covers

Thanks Richard! This fits as well. You are probably right around S/N 18000.