N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

[David K.]

[Joe L.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Gents; I have a set of GM over the counter N11 mufflers and pipes on my 65 L76. I have the option of painting the mufflers black or leaving them natural metal finish. These a carbon steel units from roughly 1981… What was the factory finish at the time? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

David-------


Very low gloss black at least on the bottom of the mufflers.

[Patrick H.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Eggshell or satin, not BBQ black. I always think that BBQ black is way too flat, and looks wrong. You don't need high heat paint, as I've found regular spray paints hold up just fine.

[Terry M.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Eggshell or satin, not BBQ black. I always think that BBQ black is way too flat, and looks wrong. You don't need high heat paint, as I've found regular spray paints hold up just fine.

My experience is that paint provides a poor facsimile of the coating that was originally used. The original material had a high build to it that resulted in a thick coating. Paint just doesn't have that thick appearance. You are, however, correct about the gloss level.

[Patrick H.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

My experience is that paint provides a poor facsimile of the coating that was originally used. The original material had a high build to it that resulted in a thick coating. Paint just doesn't have that thick appearance. You are, however, correct about the gloss level.

I suspect that you could get close with a spray gun and the right paint, but few go to that level of effort. Since the vast majority of exhaust systems are treated under the standard deduction formula, paint or coating need not even be present.

[Terry M.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

I suspect that you could get close with a spray gun and the right paint, but few go to that level of effort. Since the vast majority of exhaust systems are treated under the standard deduction formula, paint or coating need not even be present.

We need more points for the exhaust system in order to encourage TFP appearance. Where to take them from?

[Patrick H.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

We need more points for the exhaust system in order to encourage TFP appearance. Where to take them from?

Given that there has been some resistance to changing the sheets and scoring, I wouldn't hold my breath.
I'm only allowed to change the sheets in the other organization.

[Bob J.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

My experience is that paint provides a poor facsimile of the coating that was originally used. The original material had a high build to it that resulted in a thick coating. Paint just doesn't have that thick appearance. You are, however, correct about the gloss level.

Terry
I'll second what you said.
On original midyear mufflers I've removed paint isn't the look .
To me, it is asphalt based and the texture is like fine undercoat (not big and lumpy).
Bob Jorjorian

[Joe L.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Terry
I'll second what you said.
On original midyear mufflers I've removed paint isn't the look .
To me, it is asphalt based and the texture is like fine undercoat (not big and lumpy).
Bob Jorjorian

Bob-------


That's what it is. One can purchase the "smooth" type undercoat in spray cans in auto parts stores. This might work well. I'm going to try it.

[Alan D.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Have tried the auto parts store undercoating - not overly impressed (better than paint). Just got a can of "LeakSeal" by Rust-Oleum, tried a little on the half shafts and one can get it to run in a thick blob similar to what is found on some old half shafts.
I still need to do a whole shaft once car is back inside for winter.

[Gene M.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

May look more authentic with roofing tar or driveway crack sealer both reduced a little. The process at GM was run out the end of a hose.

[Michael J.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

We need more points for the exhaust system in order to encourage TFP appearance. Where to take them from?

I totally agree, I think they should be taken from the Exterior area and given to Chassis.

[Bob J.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

I totally agree, I think they should be taken from the Exterior area and given to Chassis.

Michael
Yeah, take it out of exterior paint and add it to chassis

Bob Jorjorian

[John D.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Whatever you put on wouldn't it have to be really thick to cover the embossed part numbers that weren't on the factory parts ?

[Bob J.]

Re: N11 off road muffler exhaust - factory finish

Whatever you put on wouldn't it have to be really thick to cover the embossed part numbers that weren't on the factory parts ?

Isn't that called cheating?

Don't give them ideas, John.