56 exhaust assembly

[Dave Christensen]

Is there anything that spaces the rear bumperettes (above & below the exhaust pipe exit) and exhaust bezels from the body of the car? Section 8, sheet 2 of the AIM does not show anything. Without something the paint will get damaged where the metal contacts the body.

Should the exhaust pipes extend beyond the exhaust bezel? Mine will. I bought the complete exhaust system from Zip products. If they should not extend beyond the bezels is it more likely that something is wrong with the assembly or do they normally need to be trimmed?

thanks
Dave Christensen

[James F.]

Re: 56 exhaust assembly

Dave,
The chrome bezels mount directly to the body. I suppose you could put a thin piece of sheet rubber between the mounts and the body, but St. Louis didn't. I did put a small rubber washer on the INSIDE of the fender on the lower bezel mounts, these keep out the road dust, water seepage, etc. These are not readily apparent.

IMO the exhuast pipe should stick out no longer than even with the outer bezel edge at most. Preferably about 1/4" behind the bezel. Page 40 of Nolands "Corvette American Legend" illustrates this. Many owners don't like the chrome to get stained and extend the pipes past the chrome. Just because your replacement pipes do, doesn't necessary mean they are mis-made. If the front to back fit seem right to you, cut the tip as desired. Regards