1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

[Collin MacDonald]

This question must have been asked a million times, but I really need to understand this. The JM states the exhaust sytems were steel and mufflers were galvanized. I have just looked in all the catalogs and all the systems for sale are either aluminum or Stainless Steel. When I started to build my car four years ago, I took the advise of a person who recommended SS exhaust system. So that is what I purchased. First question is...do they sell the correct steel system? Second question, is, if they don't again how is it judged? Is it worth it for me to change my SS system for an Aluminum system, do I gain anything on judging points? Where can you buy a correct OEM system?

Also, it talks about the "mitted" blackout that is sloppily put on the entire system...I thought this was not correct, if I keep my SS system should I black it out and what does one use? A thinned down paint? Is this blackout correct? Do you loose points if its not applied?

Man each time I read this manual I find more and more traps....does it ever stop?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Collin-----

The original systems were plain carbon steel. The muffler shells were either galvanized, zinc plated, or aluminized. I believe that all 3 finishes were used although some might disagree with me. There were TWO manufacturers of original exhaust systems-----Walker and Arvin. The bottom portion of the mufflers were blacked out.

Original exhaust pipes were die-formed. NO current pipes, except NOS, have this configuration. No GM SERVICE pipes, except off-road N-11, were welded at the muffler as all PRODUCTION systems were. So, as far as complete, original configuration goes, you could never get it from GM for standard exhaust systems.

So, regardless of what system you get today, it's not going to be exactly like original. The best compromise for judging purposes is probably an aluminized, carbon steel system. This system will take less of a "judging hit" than your current SS system. A plain carbon steel might do slightly better for judging, but it will quickly rust heavily.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Collin,

I don't have the JM or scoring sheets in front of me, but I do have the Reference Manual and the STANDARD DEDUCTION for stainless exhaust pipes and mufflers is a 75% hit

FYI - I have stainless on my 1963 TOP FLIGHT

[Collin MacDonald]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Rick,
Did you put that black "mitting" on the exhaust system? And do you happend to know the 75% you lost of what? I still am wondering if its worth the trouble to change the entire exhaust system for the points, or just keep the SS on.....I was hoping to get a better reponse from the board on this...

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Collin -

The exhaust pipes and mufflers carry ten originality points; a 75% hit is eight points - hardly the end of the world in the grand scheme of things. A lighter that doesn't "pop" or windshield washers that don't squirt are 25.

[Collin MacDonald]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

John,

Thank you so much for this information. I was about to scrap the bank account and replace a new SS exhaust system with the aluminum one....and I did find out how to put that black Mitten on the system using thinner and Barbeque Grill black heat paint....that will be fun....Again thanks for your post...

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Collin -

The "mitting" of the exhaust system is one of the world's greatest "urban legends" that needs to die (again), but I won't rant about it today

[Collin MacDonald]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

John,

I remember see new Corvettes 63 and on when I was a kid, I remember see them on the dealers lot and like any kid I crawled under to look, I never saw blackened out exhaust when I looked underneath, but the new JM talks about it...so if I chose NOT to do this I will not loose points?

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Exhaust Systems...what to do?

Collin -

All the midyear JG's talk about "mitted" exhaust systems, and they're all incorrect; however, if you want all the points, do what they indicate. "Finish" of the exhaust system is one point, two max.