C1 exhaust system

[Howard M.]

I removed the Midas muffler exhaust system from my '60 base engine car and proceeded to install the "correct" replacement parts obtained from a well-known aftermarket supplier. The passenger side went reasonably well and fit decently although there is only 1" clearance between the muffler and shock.
The drivers side is a different story- the oval muffler with welded front pipe cannot be rotated to the dimension of 1.6" as shown in ST12. In addition, the muffler to shock clearance is about 1/8".
I know these cars were not designed for maintainability but is it reasonable to presume that the exhaust system has to be disassembled whenever the shocks are replaced.
The parts vendor claims the parts were made and assembled on fixtures made from GM drawings.
Is there a fix or does one "live" with it?
Thanks

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 exhaust system

Howard, haven't done a '60, but on my '57 I used 1/2 and 3/4 inch plywood spacers to get clearance to frame and shocks before tightening up. Had to use some persuasion on some. Hope this helps. Gary....

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 exhaust system

Howard

Agree with Gary sometimes a bit of force is needed, remember these are cars are almost 50 years old and unless you are the original owner the frame may have been stressed a time or two. In answer to your question, no the exhaust should not have to be removed to replace shocks, but with exhaust out of the way now is a good time.
Terry

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 exhaust system

My sense is that your question really has to do with the fit of the exhaust. My experience over 33 years of Corvetting is that NO reproduction exhaust system has ever fit as well as the factory system does. My guess is that the factory did some "persuading" to get the proper fit.
I have a 71 LT-1 that had the original exhaust taken off and stored in the first few weeks after new. All I had to do was steel wool the inside and outside of the portions of the pipes where they slide together, and then slide them together. They fit perfectly.
I've put exhaust on probably 30 solid axle cars--none ever fit without prying or heating to adjust them.
Good luck!

[brent holtzman]

Re: C1 exhaust system

I was reading this and felt I should respond with my own experience... back in the 80's I took our 60 in for new tailpipes and one new muffler. When my wife went back to Midas later in the day, there was a big pile of scrap tailpipes that they had bent up but wouldn't fit. They finally managed to complete the job, but they said not to EVER bring the car back again. Still driving the car, don't know what I'll do next time! (Laugh) Take care!

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 exhaust system

Must of been new employees named Bubba! With the old as a pattern any good bender can make up a setthat fit. I had several done at Midas back in the day.
Terry

[Don Y.]

Re: C1 exhaust system

I am currently having a similar problem with my C-1. The hangars at the center of the car do not line up with the pipe joints. The L/S joint is about 1" too far forward and the R/S is 2" too far forward for proper alignment. I can just get the L/S attached but the hangar is stretched and looks like crap. The R/S won't even come close. Ths length of this joint seems to be purely determined by the bend of the pipe as it is the first joint back from the manifold connection.
Don Yesacavage

[Terry D.]

What Year? *NM*

[Don Y.]

Re: What Year?

Terry,
My car is a late production '57. VIN 5899, mid-August production.
Don Yesacavage

[Dave Suesz]

Deja vu all over again...

Twice in the 60's and 70's my Dad had the exhaust replaced on my '55, and they BOTH said that- "Don't bring it back!". Last time was CC pipes with beatufully exact 55-57 round mufflers from of all places JC Whitney. This system is over 20 years old, so has outlasted every other system ever used on the car, including the OE.

I talked to Doc Rebuild about a replacement with proper pipes and round mufflers a few years ago, but aside from some surface rust, the system is still fine, no leaks and no rattles, so I figure why mess with it?