1965 N11 Exhaust Question

[Dave S.]

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Logically, the stenciled data would have been applied at the exhaust manufacturing plant, whether GM or vendor, in order to make ID of the system easy for production line workers since to casual observation it looked essentially the same as the base rear pipe/muffler section.

So depending on the extent of the "blackout", which was somewhat haphazard and inconsistent the stenciled data may or may not have been covered up.

Duke

[Bob J.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Logically, the stenciled data would have been applied at the exhaust manufacturing plant, whether GM or vendor, in order to make ID of the system easy for production line workers since to casual observation it looked essentially the same as the base rear pipe/muffler section.

So depending on the extent of the "blackout", which was somewhat haphazard and inconsistent the stenciled data may or may not have been covered up.

Duke

I agree with Duke.
Years ago (1970s), we were buying off-road mufflers at the local Chevy dealer which had the yellow stencil.
I don't think St Louis had anything to do with those service off-road mufflers.
Bob Jorjorian

[Dave S.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Thanks guys. That makes perfect sense. I appreciate the knowledge and insight.

[Rocco S.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Dave

Here's an example of an original N11 muffler on my 1967 L79 Coupe. You can see remnents of the yellow stencil off road assembly lettering.
Muffler Right Markings 2.jpg

[Gary B.]

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

I agree with Duke.
Years ago (1970s), we were buying off-road mufflers at the local Chevy dealer which had the yellow stencil.

...better investment than GM stock back then!

Duke

[Tim G.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Here's an original factory installed 1967 N11, I don't see any stencil.

[Bob J.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

...better investment than GM stock back then!

Duke

That's funny but true...........at that time the PAIR cost under 100 dollars.
Back then I sold quite a few cars and that was a great price for any car needing exhaust. They looked great and sounded great.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Here are a few more to look at. In the past somebody had the N11 print which called for the stencil, can not remember who had that however.

[Ray K.]

[James W.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Ray,

As I recall in the current 1965 JG, they only reference the off-road marking to be on a single line as in "OFF-ROAD ASSEMBLY", but no mention of font or size. I bought the single line stencil a few years ago from ZIP before they closed. I can take a picture of it tonight and post it if you wish.

James

Does anyone know if the Zip Corvette “off road assembly” template is of the correct font & size for a ‘65 that would allow it to pass judging? If not, is there someone else that sells a more representative one that will pass judging?

And what color of paint would be best to use to replicate the original color?
Thanks……
Ray K (#43777)

[Terry M.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Ray,
I cannot speak to the template from Zip but I purchased a "kit" from Paragon a couple years ago to do my mufflers. Well, that kit was a joke. The words came on a stamp with stacked words and the word "ASSEMBLY" completely spelled out. It also included a small bottle of yellow ink. So, what do us unwavering Corvette restorers do? We improvise, of course. I found a nice picture on the internet of a muffler with the correct lettering on it. I printed the picture and then took measurements of the muffler, the lettering and spaces between the words. I then took measurements of my muffler (length and width) which had comparative dimensions on the picture. From those measurements I determined a factor that I could use to determine the correct dimensions of the appropriate full size lettering. So, I know a guy that can make stencils. I furnished him with the dimensions and a picture of the font type and he made me some stencils. I applied the stencils to my mufflers, and, initially, painted the words using the ink from Paragon. To apply the ink, I poured some on a piece of non-absorbent masonite (I'm sure you could use something else) and then took a cheap plastic handle 4" paint roller with short nap and rolled it into the ink then onto the muffler. Well, the ink started to burn off the first time I got the mufflers hot. So, I removed the remaining ink with lacquer thinner and started the paint process again. This time I used VHT Header Paint which I purchased yellow in color. To apply the header paint, I sprayed some paint on a board and, again, used the roller to apply. You should plan to tape off the area around the stencil prior to painting. Luckily, the wording was not located in the "runs" of my black-out (from underbody). I did, however, have to "fog" a bit of black paint to blend the edges of where I used the lacquer thinner.

Anyway, the stencils turned out great and have gone through judging at NCRS, Bloomington and MCACN with no issues and no deducts. I may have some extra stencils that I could send you. Send me an email with your coordinates and I'll see what I can do.

Terry

[Ray K.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

James,
When you get a chance, please post a picture of the ZIP template that you bought and used . . .
Thanks a bunch.
Ray K

[Ray K.]

Re: 1965 N11 Exhaust Question

Terry,
Just sent you an e-mail. . . .
Thanks for the info and offer.
Ray K