Factory side mount covers??

[Paranoid]

Anyone know if the factory side exhaust covers from '69 be re-chromed?? I think they're aluminum.

Thanks
Len

 

[Jack]

Yes, OE 69 aluminum exhaust covers can be rechromed. Len, you probably already know this ... but if not please note OE 69 aluminum exhaust covers in good condition can be worth a small fortune ... and can be easily damaged. I don't recall if yours is a daily driver ... if so, I'd suggest putting your OE covers away & covering w/ a pair of aftermarket covers. Guess you're gonna mate your 70's new BB to the 69 exhausts?
JACK:gap

 

[Paranoid]

Yes, OE 69 aluminum exhaust covers can be rechromed. Len, you probably already know this ... but if not please note OE 69 aluminum exhaust covers in good condition can be worth a small fortune ... and can be easily damaged. I don't recall if yours is a daily driver ... if so, I'd suggest putting your OE covers away & covering w/ a pair of aftermarket covers. Guess you're gonna mate your 70's new BB to the 69 exhausts?
JACK:gap

Thanks Jack....well, I actually just came accross a good price on a used set of '69 OE covers/shields. They seem cloudy and looks like some pitting but otherwise in one piece. I may not get them though, another buyer beat me to the seller first. I'm not going to pay a lot for that muffler, is my stance----:L

If I can get them for under $500, I'll buy them. Other than the above described defects, they look pretty good but would definitely need recoated. My '70 isn't a daily driver so I'm not concerned there.

I don't know which exhaust I'm going to run yet, I'm just compiling all the pieces just incase I change my mind somewhere along the line. I'm thinking this is a smart thing to do with the way prices are rising on some of the Vette & BB parts. I got a good deal on a new set of BB, correct 1970 casting exhaust manifolds. I also bought a used set of Hooker Super Comps, complete with welded collector joining a Chambered exhaust.

Who knows what I'll want to switch to in the future, but at least I'll have the parts already. And if I decide I don't need or want any of the pieces I can always sell them on Ebay.:J You wouldn't believe what people will pay for some junk!

 

[ChuckG]

I had just the long center sections of my 69 side exhausts replated by Librandi's Plating in Harrisburg, PA. Did an outstanding job. I believe the cost was about $400.00 for the pair. They look like NEW. Chuck

 

[KANE]

It seems a bit cheap, but if you detail and paint a set of the fiberglass covers they look nice too. I used the high-temp clear coat over the aluminum hight-temp paint. They look really nice with the deep finish from the clear coat. I can't lose any peices to theives or road gremlins with that set up!

 

[Paranoid]

Thanks Chuck, that's what I figured. I could have a nice set of OE covers for under 1K.

DarkShark----I saw the fiberglas covers before, but just couldn't pass trying to get in on a set of OE covers.

Len

 

[KANE]

If you can do it for a grand or less... than go for it. Then write me and tell me. I'd love to get out for a grand on that same set up too!!!

I'd personnally like to anchor the three parts together so they don't run off.

Good luck- I'd love to see a pic when you are done!

 

[Paranoid]

Doesn't matter now. I got beat out by the first bidder even though I offered more $$.. I'm keeping an eye open though.:cry :cry :cry

 

[geopar]

'69 side exhaust

Hello all . Hope everyone's holiday season is going great . Are the original side covers aluminum , or a "pot metal" composition ? I have had several pieces and parts (and two complete sets) of these over the years , and all of them appeared to be "pot metal" vrs. true aluminum ???? Thanks , George

 

[ChuckG]

I think they're "pot metal" too, although I'm no metallurgist. GM wouldn't spring for aluminum when a cheaper material would do. Regardless, they car easily be rechromed. Chuck

 

[geopar]

rechroming side pipes

Thanks for the reply Chuck . As for rechroming , I've found that a good cleaning and polishing can work wonders for these pieces . This is especally true if there is pitting on the parts . Pieces that have pitts , deep scratches , or other imperfections should be polished first , then looked at closley to determine if the chrome will "take" . Small imperfections will "hide" with polishing --- but they will be "exposed" with the chroming process .