69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question

[Chuck G.]

I believe that "factory installed", assembly line 69 side exhaust center sections had only 1 pair of holes located on the rear lower edge to attach the the cover to the frame bracket. Thus, original center sections were "rights" and "lefts". Over the counter replacements had 2 pairs of holes, therefore they could be used as replacements on either the right or left side, depending on how you mounted them.

I just bought a center section on EBAY. Needs rechromed, etc. It has absolutely NO holes for the bracket, and no sign that they ever existed...not welded closed, etc. Anybody ever seen a center section with no holes? Chuck

[Roy S.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question *TL*

Chuck,

I believe you are 100% correct with your two hole four hole theory. I have never seen a center section with no holes. Do you think it is definately GM? MIght be possible that some got out with no holes but in my years of looking at 69 side exhaust covers I have never seen one.

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question

Hi Chuck:
You are correct regarding the OTC replacements, no side to side orientation they evidently did not want to make two parts to stock.
I have had two no hole covers but have no idea of their origin
Hope to see you at Carlisle
jer

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question

Thanks Roy and Jerry. Roy, it was nice to see you on Sunday. Hope you enjoyed the Mason Dixon Judging event. Jerry...hope to see you at Carlisle..or maybe Bloomington.

It's most definitely a 69 side exhaust center section.

I guess I have another "rare" EBAY part. Actually, that's why I bought it. I EMailed the seller to inquire about the holes, and he told me there were none. Only paid about $35.00 for it, plus shipping. Needs rechromed, etc. I have one original "2 holer" on the driver's side of my car, while the passenger's side is a "4 holer". Chuck

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question

Chuck could you describe the frame mounting bracket used with the factory mounted 69 side exhaust?

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question *TL*

I have seen one design of 1969 sidepipe cover that has no rear mounting holes. Bill Vyn has been doing some research on the different designs of these covers, and I have been trying to talk him into a story for The Restorer. He has a far better handle on these multiple iterations than I do, but he is an infrequent poster to this board.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust Center Chrome Section Question

Bill Vyn is "the man" when it comes to knowledge about 69's. Regarding the side exhaust cover attachment, there were 2 designs that I'm aware of, early and late.

The first mounting "violated" the principle of isolating the cover from the exhaust. That first design, of which I have only a picture, shows the rear of the cover bolted to a bracket on the exhaust pipe itself.

The second, more common design uses what I call a "Z" bracket. That bracket bolts to the 2 rear holes in the cover, goes above the exhaust pipe, and then bolts to the frame with one bolt. There is some "wiggle" room in that end of the "Z" bracket, allowing you to slide it fore and aft somewhat. Have no clue what this "no hole" cover "fits". Hopefully, Bill will post an answer. Chuck