69 Side Exhaust install on a 1970

[James W.]

Hello everyone,

First I'd like to thank everyone who provided me insight on installing the induction pieces on my 1970. The intake, carb, rocker-arm covers all look fantastic.....so thanks again!

My new question is two fold, and I should give a little background info first. I'm having some fun (taking some liberties) with my car, a 1970 350/300, 4spd convertible. None of the changes I am doing are necessarily permanent, and all the original parts are being refurbished and stored. I'm kinda making the car into what I wish I could have bought way back when. To this end, I made the engine look similar to the LT-1 with the addition correct lt-1 manifold, carb, valve covers, pullys, decals, etc. I also added an original Lt-1 hood to complete the look. It came out great!!

Now the other item I love is the 69 style factory exhaust. I have gathered up a very nice set of original GM covers, and just got a new set of Allen's 69 side exhaust pipes. I have the assembly manual, but the picture depicting how much fender needing to be removed to accommodate the pipes and covers seems a little confusing. Does anyone have a picture showing how much front fender lip I need to remove? This one worries me...yikes!

The second question involves the rear exhaust panel. I do not want to permanently modify the rear quarter panels so that I can use an original 69 side exhaust rear valance panel, but I noticed that Ecklers and Corvette Central carry a side exhaust "conversion panel" which has "ears" to fill the exhaust cut outs in the 70 quarter panels. Has anyone used these conversion panels? I know it won't look exactly factory, but again I'm just having some fun and don't want to permanently alter my body work!

Any help, photos, insight would be very much appreciated!!! Thanks, Jim

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 Side Exhaust install on a 1970

Hi Jim,
I put 69 side exhaust on my 71 in 1971.
I've posted a picture of the front cut, I'm surprised the info in the 69 AIM isn't clear enough. The exhaust cover is installed now, but if you need a picture from under the car I'll post some tomorrow.
The 'filler' valance panels often require some body work to improve their fit. It depends how particular you are. I used a 69 side exhaust valance and the lower rear pieces from a side exhaust car in a junk yard for the repair back in 71.
I think if you go through the trouble to have side exhaust the straight seam for the valance is the icing on the cake.
Regards,
Alan

Yes, that's a set of chrome covers painted black. The covers were so cheap in 71 I bought 2 sets and painted one set black along with the wheels. I liked it that way so well it stayed that way when I 'restored' the car.
You have to be very careful about the way the pipes and covers are mounted so that the mufler doesn't hang below the cover.