C3 Exhaust Tips

[Sheldon S.]

I have a 71 Roadster and I am trying to figure out the correct exhaust tips for it. Ser # 15834. Trying to find originals seems next to impossible and the repo's don't appear like they are correct. I beleive I should have the ones with the welded seams on the bottom. Am I correct in saying they should have a chrome finish? And the round pipe that appears to be crimped into the flat rear rectangular portion, is it just crimped or spot welded or welded all around the circumference or not. No ID markings should be stamped into the tip? Where would you suggest purchasing a set that would pass judging and am I missing any other info about the correct tips?
Thanks in advance
Sheldon

[Kurt B.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Tips

Paragon,Zip Products, and Dr. Rebuild all list only the stainless steel tips in their catalogs. You might try calling Paragon as they have a used department and may have a set of original ones from a car. Joe Lucia will know if they are supposed to be chrome or stainless.
Kurt

[Zachary K.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Tips

Should be chrome.

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Tips

Sheldon:

Your question is a good one! I've had many '70 thru '72 Corvettes (they're definitely my favorite style car), here is what I know.

1971 model year is tricky, because it is a transition year. This model year contains characteristics that are seen on both 1970 & 1972 models. Generally you will see 1970 model items on early 1971 production, and you will see 1972 model items on late 1971 production.

I personally have owned early, middle, late production cars from all three years. My '71 coupe is #15065, so we are not far apart. Your tips most likely will have a slightly noticeable seam, that is partially obliterated on the bottom edge, the tips were chrome plated, the back plate will have a welded seam completely around the perimeter, the cylindrical sleeve portion of the tip will be spot tacked on in several spots around the end that attaches to the square tip portion.

I generally pick up spare tips at both Carlisle and Bloomington swap meets each year. They are starting to get harder to find nice examples.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Tips

The differences are spelled out in detail in the NCRS 1970-72 TIM & JG, available at the online store on this web site.

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Exhaust Tips

Sheldon,
As Warren describes you should have the welded seam at the bottom and the back plate should be continuisly welded as well. Service replacement tips lack the welded back but have the welded bottom seam. The 70 style tips which were phased out in late 70 lacked the welded seam at the bottom. All were "flash chromed". My Bowtie 71 #16798 has the tips as Warren describes which I believe are original to the car. Any tip with a part number stamped on it would be a later service replacement.