original side exhaust "u" nut cutouts in birdcage door sill

[Julio G.]

Re: original side exhaust "u" nut cutouts in birdcage door sill

[QUOTE=Donald Anderson (11172);819478]I'm another Don in the thread (see post #6 above from 2015) and I posted some photos of side pipe notches that others thought should remain unseen. I disagreed then and disagree now, the information is out there and easy to find and has been for many many years. I remain of the opinion (and JUST MY opinion) that faking original birdcage notches would be extremely difficult and judges proficient in real side exhaust cars would/should know the difference. I also disagree that you have to take off the side exhaust covers to evaluate as is mentioned above in this thread. I have on numerous occasions examined midyear side pipe cars and can easily see if the rear notches are there. Examining both sides, the fiberglass cut outs in the area, the other mount areas and all the other tell tale signs of a real side exhaust car can usually allow a really good idea of original vs add-on. The photos I posted from 2015 were from a 67 I had then, now I have a 66, also a real side exhaust car. I thought I would post again in this thread to show one option for evaluating for originality of N14 cars regarding the birdcage notches. All it takes is a mirror (most all judges carry these with them during events) and a bright flashlight (see photo 1). Place the mirror on top of the side exhaust pipe tip angled up and in (see photo 2). Shine a bright light on the mirror and angle the mirror in until the birdcage is seen. If the rear most notch is there, it will be immediately apparent (see photos 3 and 4), and if it is absent that is also obvious. My camera did not do a good job of focusing in on the mirror's image but the view and detail in real time is excellent, and much better than is apparent in the photos (see photo 5). There will probably be another response of "oh good... more photos..." but I remain of the opinion this information is needed and helpful to those with N14 questions.

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Hi Don,
i learn something new every day, thank you for the photos. I'm wouldn't even attempt to forge this, my trim and vin don't lie, plus I'd be ruining a perfectly good AOS body, but it sure is neat to know this stuff.
regards,
Julio

[Ralph G.]

Re: original side exhaust "u" nut cutouts in birdcage door sill

I would like to thank Don Anderson for posting the pictures of the bird cage notches for side exhaust cars. I've got a 65 BB side exhaust car and needed to verify whether or not it was correct. Unfortunately it is not an original side exhaust car and his pictures helped me verify this. I've been a Corvette owner for over 60 years and an NCRS member for about 20 years, but I've only recently joined the Southeast chapter and attended my first chapter meet. I though I had a pretty good knowledge of C2 Corvettes, but now I'm amazed at how much I don't know! In 1969 I bought a 65 big block convertible and a couple years later had to sell it, when my wife made me chose between her or the car (I made the right choice). Over the years I owned several C2, C3, C5 and C6 Corvettes, but I always wanted another 65 BB. In 2019 I was fortunate enough to find a nice restored, highly optioned 65 BB convertible. I knew enough to check the numbered, dated components; but not enough to determine if the options were original or added during the restoration. I hope to have the car judged soon and will probably leave the side exhaust on to determine if it is worth replacing the exhaust system and rear valance. Thanks to all whom share their knowledge on the forum. Ralph

[Bill M.]

[Tom E.]

Re: original side exhaust "u" nut cutouts in birdcage door sill

Bill,
I did the same thing on my 67 327/350. The PO had purchased all new original GM pipes, covers and all brackets for side pipes back in 81 when the car was taken off the road and disassembled. Like you, l loved the look and sound but did not alter the vehicle in any way except the front ears. I carefully cut them off and saved them for someone else down the road or myself should I ever desire to go back.