1970 U-Clamp

[Stephen L.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

thx joe - thx chuck - best, stephen

[Stephen L.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

is this reproduction correct? - thanks! stephen

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=EX%2D571&gift=False&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D3546%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2C68%2D74%20Exhaust%20System&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D794%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CExhaust%20Hangers%20%26%20Clamps&HSLB=False&mscssid=FCB9579BD17147D5AE5A34AF7B4473C0

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

Steven,
I concur with Joe and Chuck regarding the originality of the exhaust clamp you pictured.

Further one can not rely on the AIM images for details such as you describe regarding the exhaust clamp. When the part numbers changed in the AIM the draftsman sometimes (maybe even often) didn't change the details of the subject part unless those details affected the installation or another part. Thus the illustration of items like the exhaust clamp(s) or radiator hose clamps might not change for some time even though the configuration of the item changed.

Remember the installers would put the parts on the same way, so there was no need for the illustration of the item to be accurate. Sometimes when the entire page in the AIM was redrawn the illustration would be updated, and sometimes even then the illustration would not reflect the newer configuration.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

Terry, the open type clamp shown in the TIM&JG is not a good illustration for the 70 clamp at the exhaust tips...the 2" 70 exhaust tip clamp has "ends" or ears that close the ends of the clamp. The illustrated clamp in the TIM&JG appears open on the ends, like all generic clamps and the one that Stephen has shown. Did GM use these generic style clamps on any 70-72 Corvette?...Or, is this just a less than perfect illustration?

The parts situation for restoration gets more depressing every year. Paragon once sold a good repro of the 2" exhaust tip clamp (PR-2587K). In searching clamps for Stephen, I found it seems to be missing from their online catalog. Once a good repro is developed, why would a vendor discontinue it in favor of generic style and stainless steel clamps? (It's a rhetorical question; I know you aren't likely to know what they're thinking.)

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

I gave the illustrator one of the tip clamps from my car -- and this was before there were reproductions -- perhaps I didn't check his work thoroughly enough. However, most of the drawings he did are still in use in the manual. Now, when I get home, I'll have to go look at the car to see just what is there. Short answer is I don't know where the disconnect, if any, is.

You are right, I have no clue what drives the restoration parts market. I can only speculate, like everyone.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

Some of the parts might not be on the online catalog. But they still show that part number in the last catalog they mailed me not to long ago.

Kelly

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

Thanks Kelly...That is good to know.

Someone else suggested offline they may have to be selective on online catalog content and suggested calling them direct. My last Paragon catalog is probably ten years old...they quit sending free catalogs after I quit ordering stuff.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 U-Clamp

Chuck,

the latest Paragon catalogs can be downloaded from their site. It's a pdf file, which means you can search it, too.

Patrick