71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or nothing

[Brad M.]

Got a question on the exhaust extensions for 71-72 corvette. (the style with the welded seam down the center). I have read that the service replacements contain part numbers and the original ones did not. What about the "W"; were they on the ones that came installed from factory or were there no stamping on the original equipment ones?

[Dave S.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Brad,
The originals contain no stampings. The best way to identify an original is the rectangular backs are continiously welded to the tip itself. They were flash chromed also. All service tips lack that weld. The 71-72 style have the weld seam on the bottom where the first design (70-late 70) lack that weld seam.

[Alan T.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Dave, there were evidently some very late 1970 cars that did receive the welded seam tips, such as my next-to-last day production 1970 LT-1.

Alan

[Dave S.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Alan,
My July 8, 1970 Build #14803 has the early tips like yours. I'm told the later 1970 cars may have a mix of both styles and the TIM & JG backs that up.

[Dan Pepper]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

My July 1 build LT1 has a mix of tips: left with seam, right without.

[Mike G.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

my june 21 70 has the seamless style. i have a nos set to use on my car. they are pretty hard to find and expensive when you do. the early style is a section cut out of a tube. the back is welded all the way around the tube. i have a nice 71 tip and it is spot welded about every inch around the tube. the weld in the center is not that nice.

[Mike G.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

allmost forgot- no stamp or marking on the 70 tips

[Brad M.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

I have a set of sevice replacement tip with the part numbers ('659/'660)that are in rechroming. If I had them re-chromed, would the chroming process readily used today make it look significant different than the flash chrome process you mentioned?

[Greg F.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

I have a 71 small block. Are the tips chrome or stainless. I don't believe mine are original and I want to get new ones. Where should I get them and what is the finish - SS or Chrome? Also, what about the bezels?

Thanks.

[Brad M.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Originals should be chrome. They are not too abundunt these days. The stainless ones are repro and a made significantly different and are significantly thinner metal.

bezels are more readily available either NOS or GM reproduction parts makes the bezels. I think the GM reproduction ones are prob pretty close to original and I think have the same part numbers on them.

[Dave S.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Brad,
I had a set redone by Areba services whom I understand is no longer in business. I had a long talk w/ Rick Applegate (owner) about flash chrome/over restoration etc. He was a vendor that came recommended by some pretty well known restorers. He tried to "under" restore them but they still came out to good. Prior to chroming you will also need to apply the weld to the rear section around the entire perimeter to replicate the originals and don't forget to have the part numbers removed.

[Brad M.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Thanks. I am going to let a local guy do what he can with them and see what happens. Good point on the weld line along the rectangular part - I did not think to tell him that. Regarding the part number, that is basically how my original question came about, because I told him to fill in that part, but was not positive about the "W"

[Greg F.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

I need to buy tips and bezels. Where is the best place to get them?

[Brad M.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Greg,

For the tips, I am not aware of anyone who stocks the GM ones, you just have to keep on the look out for them. The last set that I saw of NOS ones sold for over $400 for the pair.

As for the bezels, the GM reproduction ones are available through many places such as Paragon. If you want, original production GM ones, you prob just have to keep on the look for them, but I think the GM restoration parts version of these are pretty close. - (if others have different opinions on the bezels let Greg know as I have never compared them side by side or anything) -The GM restoration parts version are probably $90 for pair.

[Greg F.]

Re: 71-72 exhaust extensions do they have W or not

Thanks a ton! I was prepared to buy the tips through Paragon as well.