69 Exhaust Options

[69houdini]

Hey Everybody,

            I'm getting ready to purchase and install a new exhaust system and wanted to stay with the stock exhaust I bought it with. I am the second owner. The question I have is this, was there ever an option for a 69 X55 SS to have chrome exhaust tips? Mine do. They are not welded on, the few people that looked at it says it's the original exhaust but wasn't sure the factory would do that, however, the dealer might have. When I replace the exhaust I want to leave it the way it came off the lot.        Thanks, John

[Jonesy]

On the original chrome tailpipes, the chrome tips were welded on. I cant remember the start date of chrome tips, but i know it was later in the year. Maybe May 69??

[69houdini]

Hey Jonesy,
     
        I, nor the others see any weld lines. These ends looked dipped. The car is a 05d  69 build. How clean were these welds? Maybe we all need glasses!!!!!

[Jonesy]

I have an NOS pair and they are definately welded to where the weld are obvious. I dont have them in front of me but I am thinking it's 18 inches back.

[Jonesy]

Here you go:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95244&highlight=chrome+tailpipes

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=683&highlight=chrome+tailpipes

[69houdini]

Hey Jonesy, Thanks for the info. My chrome tips are angled also. My car is getting some outsource work on it right now so I'll have to go see how far back the chrome goes. Those links you gave were interesting too. Do you think I should go aluminum or stainless on the exhaust. I'd like your opinion. Thanks,   John

[69houdini]

Anybody have a preference on replacing exhaust with aluminum or stainless steel. I'd like to keep it as it came off the lot but I believe stainless is better. Would it count against me at a show? I'm new at  restoration and originality and want to replace it as correct. I'm learning as I go and you guys are pros. Please tell me what you think.   Thanks again, John

[JohnZ]

In NCRS Corvette judging, any stainless steel component (exhaust pipes, gas and brake lines, etc.) automatically gets a 50% points deduction; the original exhaust pipes were all plain carbon steel (and the suppliers will make systems that way for an extra charge), but most guys use aluminized steel exhaust systems and take a 20% "finish" deduction rather than deal with the "instant rust" issue that occurs with plain carbon steel pipes. Don't know how Camaro originality judging deals with stainless components.

[69houdini]

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I don't want to stray too far from the acceptable. I appreciate your input.   

In NCRS Corvette judging, any stainless steel component (exhaust pipes, gas and brake lines, etc.) automatically gets a 50% points deduction; the original exhaust pipes were all plain carbon steel (and the suppliers will make systems that way for an extra charge), but most guys use aluminized steel exhaust systems and take a 20% "finish" deduction rather than deal with the "instant rust" issue that occurs with plain carbon steel pipes. Don't know how Camaro originality judging deals with stainless components.