1969 rear filler panel

[scott dixon]

i am converting to side pipes. when i put this filler panel in place, i still have 1/3 of a circle cut out in the rear corner of the quarters, for clearance to the tail pipe. what am i suppose to do about this?

[Tom B.]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

The 1969 Corvettes that were factory equipped with the N14 side exhaust option should not only have a rear valance panel without the cut-outs, but they should have the side rear quarter panels without the cut-outs as well.

When used for the removal of the undercar exhaust system, I'm not sure if an aftermarket rear valance panel complete with the full molded-in "fill tabs" is available or not. There is a "quarter panel to rear exhaust panel bonding strip" (left and right) that I do see available in catalogs like Corvette Central which is for use with side exhaust installations. I don't know if that bonding strip goes as far as to fill the cut-out between the two panels, though. The least expensive way would be to just use fiberglass and filler in the gap. Otherwise, you may want to go as far as to find and install a replacement set of rear quarter panels without the cut-outs. TBarr #24014

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

The rear "filler panel" offered by many vendors for side exhaust conversions includes a 1/4 round segment as part of the valance panel to fill that remaining hole portion. They look like crap even when installed properly. The factory side exhaust cars have a straight, open seam that runs vertically between the valance panel and the rear quarter section that can't be duplicated with this panel. Buy a correct, ( I think this is what you already have), side exhaust valance panel and have a competent fiberglass man fill in the remaining section with cut glass, (possibly from your old panel or another donor part), bonded to the rear quarter panel making certain to reproduce the vertical seam or IT WILL NOT LOOK RIGHT. Even when done properly, (the proper method is to replace both rear quarter sections), it can be detected from under the car. Soooo, if ya wanna sell those side exhaust parts

jer

[scott dixon]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

negitive, i will be buried with these covers. i do however have what i believe, and was told by the seller is a nos piece. it has gm part numbers molded into it, including a 69. now, for the big questions, who si relativly close to detroit that wants to fix my glass problem?

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

You're welcome,

[scott dixon]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

maybe i will sell those exhaust parts, now that i know that i can get a fully restored set for 1,100.00. by the time i have these rechromed, and pay for a insulater, i will be well beyond 1100.00. these by the way are in pretty good shape. great for a driver. i need something mint. by the way thanks for the info on the rear filler panel.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

Hi Scott. I think the price of a complete set from Paragon comes close to $2,200.00, not $1,100.00. Double check the prices. The 2K set is complete..insulators, chrome pieces, etc. One more thing...others have nailed it about the different rear quarter panels on side exhaust cars. There is a huge, major "hit"...deduct....at NCRS judging for not factory installed side exhausts. You lose EVERYTHING on the exhaust system, rocker panels, tail extensions, bezels, etc. If you leave any vestige of the underneath exhaust, you'll likely get zapped. Food for thought! Chuck

[Jerry Clark]

Chuck That Price

Mr. Dixon is referring to was from a prior post for a completely restored set.

jer

[scott dixon]

Re: 1969 rear filler panel

yes, but the killer look you get from those pipes is worth any lose of points. they make the car!!!!

[scott dixon]

Re: Chuck That Price

something that concerns me about this rear filler panel is the color. the one i have is a greyish white unfinished color. the one for sale in the driveline is black. were these thing outsourced to different places by gm? or is one of these bogus?