C3 Exhaust Question

[don justham]

Two questions relative to my 1970:
1. Can't get my SS tips off the pipe so that I can use them on a new set of pipes. Are they spot welded on or just bonded from the heat of the pipes? I don't see any weld spots. ANy suggestions on how to get them off?

2. How much overlap should there be on the section of new pipe when I install them?

Thanks for the help.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Question

I would cut the rusty pipe off close to the tip and then make a saw cut lengthwise thru the rusty pipe and peal it out.
To install the exhast I would install the complete system loose with the pipes in the bells all the way and the tips on.I use a rubber straps to hold it up while adjusting. When I like the way it looks after adjusting clamp it all down front to rear. Some systems fit like a glove other may take hours to get the tips centered and straight but others will notice your efforts. Lyle

[Jack H.]

Add on

The factory original pipes, from the mufflers back, had 'dimples' on the OD that forced alignment of the SS resonator tips. You should find V-shaped notches in the top side of the SS tips' overlapping attaching pipes which represent the alignment mechanism for the dimple in the tail pipe.

I don't think any of the 'correct' repro exhaust systems sport this 'feature' so you might want to take measurements from the end of the tail pipes to the alignment dimple after you free your tips. This will tell you how far forward/aft the resonnator tips were actually installed. If you don't see the alignment dimples on the pipes or your tips don't have the upper notch, then you can presume they've been replaced in the car's earlier life....

[Harmon C.]

Re: Add on

Jack You'r right on with the notch alignment on original systems. I think when he said SS tip that they were the SS repos. I think that originals are chrome plated and not SS and usally rusted out long ago. Lyle

[Wayne K.]

Re: Add on

Lyle,

I believe you are right. I had a 70 in 72 and WI salt had the tips in bad shape after a few winters. We drove em all year back then. With studded snow tires you could go just about anywhere without a problem.

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Question

If you don't have the original chrome exhaust tips, alignmentis a bit difficult to get exact. If using the ss tips, the top horizontal edge(farthest protruding portion) should be no more than 1/4" past the top edge of the chrome shroud that it is encased around.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Question

Some people like to install them car enough to the rear to keep their chrome bumbers cleaner.