Stainless Exhaust with Original Appearance

[CamaroJeff]

I am looking for recommendations on an exhaust system for a 1969 Camaro SS350. I want a stainless exhaust system but want it to have an original appearance and will be going with chrome tail pipes.

I have a z28 with a Gardner system and like their stuff, but would like stainless since I will be driving this car more and think it will show better over time.

[COPOZ/28]

If you're unable to find a stainless exhaust system for your car that matches the original shape/looks, there is another option you might want to consider.


About 25-30 years ago, I bought a "cheapie" non-stainless chambered exhaust system w/chrome tailpipes for my 05E '69 Z.  Before installing it, I cleaned/degreased all the pipes, except the chrome t/pipes, and applied (by brush) the POR-15 High Temp silver paint/coating -- it can be sprayed with the right equipment.  This system has been on the car two separate periods of time for most of those years and the paint has not peeled or degraded in any way.  There is no surface rust showing on any of the pipes.  After all this time, and about 20,000 miles later, the system is starting to degrade from the inside out -- one small pinhole has appeared in one of the rear chambered sections.  As such, this system is going to be replaced in the next year or so, not because it looks bad, but because this internal degradation will surely continue.  I will (finally!) be treating myself to a full Gardner Deep Tone exhaust system and will consider applying the same POR-15 High Temp silver coating before installing it.  It should look good for the next 20 years and I'll be more than happy (I'm 74!).

[CamaroJeff]

After a week of research and quotes I am leaning towards aluminized. I'm not satisfied with what I have found with stainless exhausts. Gardner of course is well respected. The other kit I have found is made by Stan's Restorations and available from Heartbeat City or direct from the manufacture. It is apparently a show quality system too. Stan's is significantly less. ~$1400 at Heartbeat vs $2000 at Gardner. Buying stand direct should yield a slightly cheaper price.

My car has an august build date so I think I'll do the chrome pipes without resonators.