C2 1967 Sideipes

[Peter K.]

Since big block NOS sidepipes are getting so outrageously expensive, I have been thinking about buying the repro. Can anybody tell me the differences, and if the judges deduct points for the repro? or anybody have a set of NOS they are willing to sell for a reasonable price??? Thanks in advance.

Peter

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 1967 Sideipes

Basically, judges deduct points if there are visually detectable differences in Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration or Completeness of the reproduction part vs. known factory original versions of the part. Then, deductions are taken based on the extent of differences in these areas.

I've not seen reproduction side exhaust components, so I can't comment on how faithful they are to the factory originals. But, some reproduction items (E.g. certain interior/exterior mirrors) are SO EXACT (built on factory original supplier tooling) that there's no deduction because the repro parts are dead nuts on.

The question boils down to one of economics and restoration pride. If you can expect minor deductions for using a repro part, then you ask yourself how much is a judging point worth? On the other hand, if your pride factor insists on 100% originality without regard to cost, that's another matter.

Suppose your car, when fully restored, would be worth $45K in 100% condition. Then, each of the NCRS 4500 judging points boils down to a $10 consideration, ON AVERAGE. Now, not every component will come in at 'average' cost (some more, some less).... But, that's a mechanism for evaluating the economics of your restoration!

[Peter K.]

Who has a judged sidepipe car that ...

Who has a Top Flight sidepipe car where they have used reproduction pipes that can tell me the difference and impact on judging????

[Larry S.]

Re: C2 1967 Sideipes

Jack that is a very interesting analysis.

[Jerry W.]

Re: C2 1967 Sideipes

Peter,
First off I am not a judge.I did have a Top Flight 66 with side pipes that were reproduction.First you need to establish the fact the car came from the factory with side pipes.If it didn't you will get a total deduction with either reproduction or original sides.There are several indications to establish this.
Most are covered in the archives.If you do have reproductions follow the Judging manual for the correct finish on the brackets,correct rivets and the pipes should be carbon steel (not stainless,aluminized or painted.)There are other factors such as ground wires and treaded holes to check. The assembly manual also has details about the factory installation.I recieved deductions because I had painted the pipes with high degree aluminum paint.I hope his helps.Remember you can still have points off and recieve Top Flight

[Craig S.]

Re: Who has a judged sidepipe car that ...

Peter - I can't tell you about the judging deduct for reproduction sidepipes, but I can tell you there is a visual difference that a judge can detect. I belive the main reproduction supplier is Allens, and I have heard the process has changed recently to produce more faithful reproductions than before, which I have not seen. However, I have a NOS set of BB pipes I bought several years ago at Carlisle and in comparison to Allen's at that time, the visual appearance of the "crimps" is different, I suspect the tooling is different at the crush points...also, the pipe material and appearance is different...Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Who has a judged sidepipe car that ...

I forgot to mention...as Joe says.... [Not for sale]....they are for my 66 427..Craig