Converting '69 to factory side exhaust

[roger55]

I am think about converting my '69 to factory side exhaust and want to do it right and make the rear look totally original even on the inside. I would like to use the original type filler panel (This one): Original Panel As opposed to this short-cut type: Conversion Panel If I do this, what do I use to cover the other half of the original exhaust cut out? Is there a piece made for molding in, or do I have to make this myself? Or, I am better off just fabricating the whole thing myself by modifying both my original filler panel and the quarter panel?

[gbvette62]

If you want to stay as close as possible to original, then you want a press molded fiberglass panel. These are smooth on the front and back, just as the original GM panels. The replacement, hand laid panels have a rough, finish on the back, like the inside of a fiberglass boat hule.

The "original" panel pictured, is what Chevrolet would have used on a car factory equipted with side exhaust. The rear fenders on real side exhaust cars had no cut-out for the exhaust. Instead, the fender had a straight edge and used a straight reinforcement bonded to the back, that the exhaust panel bolted to. Rear exit exhaust fenders had the cut-outs and use a reinforcement that is curved around the exhaust opening and then striaght above the opening.

The "conversion panel" shown has "ears" molded to it to easily fill the exhaust opening. With these, no modifications are needed to your rear fenders. These are made from hand laid fiberglass. Chevrolet never use a panel that looked like this or were made like them.

I don't know if anyone makes a separate repair or filler piece for the 69 exhaust cut-out. The correct, straight reinforcement is available.

If you have an Assembly Manual, it has an illustration showing the installation of the rear panel and the stock, straight rear fender and reinforcement.

I would talk to Eckler's tech people about this, or you may want call Sermersheim's Corvette at 812-424-4701. Sermersheim's makes press molded fiberglass, they have the rear panel and reinforcement. They don't list a filler piece, as far as I know, but they may be able to supply you with one, or offer some suggestions. Press molded fiberglass is all they make, so I'm sure they've run into this before.

[roger55]

Thanks for the info gbvette62. This helps, I will contact them.

I may just buy the reinforcements and fabricate the rest with matting and resin.

[LeeS]

I might point out that as it is going to be non original to the car anway you might as well just fill it in, no sense worrying about an original panel as the fender panel won't be original. You might also want to check the prices of the side pipes, they have really gone up it recent years. I think you will spend at least $1500 to $2000 for everything if you go NOS, but you probably know that already.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by LeeS

I might point out that as it is going to be non original to the car anway you might as well just fill it in, no sense worrying about an original panel as the fender panel won't be original. You might also want to check the prices of the side pipes, they have really gone up it recent years. I think you will spend at least $1500 to $2000 for everything if you go NOS, but you probably know that already.

Thanks.

Yeah, I know it's not cheap. $2,500 last time I looked.
I am probably going to wait till summer or fall to get started.

I really think I can fabricate glass to make my fender look original. I have done this kind of thing before.

[Alan 71]

Hi Roger,
Here's a picture of the conversion on my 71.
I used a NOS 69 side exhaust rear valance panel, and formed the repair to the fender itself with a little mold I made. There is a vertical 'lip' on the valance and on the fender that uses 2 bolts to hold the seam closed. The repair is smooth on the inside too if someone leans down to take a look.
Regards,
Alan

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Hi Roger,
Here's a picture of the conversion on my 71.
I used a NOS 69 side exhaust rear valance panel, and formed the repair to the fender itself with a little mold I made. There is a vertical 'lip' on the valance and on the fender that uses 2 bolts to hold the seam closed. The repair is smooth on the inside too if someone leans down to take a look.
Regards,
Alan

Thanks for the pic! I downloaded it to save.
Beautiful job. That's what I intend for mine to look like too. Inside and out.

Are there any regrets that you did the conversion? Are you happy with the looks and the sound as much as you hoped?

[mg267]

hey roger, i have a similar issue as yours, only my car alread has the side exhaust setup, i just need to fill the two holes created in the rear fender where the factory rear exhaust would be.. any word on someone that might make just the filler for the holes? thanks!
mg

[roger55]

Originally Posted by mg267

hey roger, i have a similar issue as yours, only my car already has the side exhaust setup, i just need to fill the two holes created in the rear fender where the factory rear exhaust would be.. any word on someone that might make just the filler for the holes? thanks!
mg

Did you acquire an original type side This one exhaust rear panel?

If this is the panel you have, I am not aware of anyone who just makes a patch for the 1/2 holes in the fender.

I am not sure that that's what you are exactly asking though.

You can get this part. It has the "ears" attached for filling the hole.

I am not going to go this route though. I am just going to keep my original panel and fabricate a patch using resin and matting, split it for the seam, fabricate the "lips" and attach the original bonding strips.
It will look like Alan 71's photo. Mine will be a little more work since I will have to modify the panel as well as the fenders and he just modified his fenders.