I kinda had a thought. That some nice chrome side pipe exhaust pipes might look good on my Raven black 69 Ranchero. I like the wrap around pipe looks in the front. I'm not sure what I would need for exhaust manifolds to match up. Do I start with the side pipes n work backwards. Or do they simply use a couple elbows that connect into the eom exhaust manifold ? Would the oem manifolds or headers be better ? I do plan on flipping this truck so need something that appeals to the most. Personally I'd use side pipes
Add side pipes OR flip the vehicle, but not both. Any major modifications will limit your resale market, and you will not recoup $$ spent.
Side pipes? What ever else. I had a good Alabama exhaust shop install these. Unfortunately he demanded cats - the shortest I could find. Now I will never admit it but the side dumps are from a Cheby Camero..
Here's my 2 cents: I agree with 1978GT- as soon as you start modifying a vehicle, you're limiting the appeal to a smaller field of buyers. Collectible vehicles typically are worth more if they're as close to stock as possible; just look at high end auctions like Barrett-Jackson. And older Rancheros are certainly becoming collectible. I think adding full-length "lakes pipes" look cool on a custom, and maybe on a '69 Ranchero: But I think the Cobra style look tacked on rather than built in like the Cobras:
I also agree with 1978GT. IMHO aftermarket side pipes look good on only a limited number of vehicles including Corvettes and vans. In my case your 69 would be diminished in value and desireability, not increased. But as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Been there , done that RancheroRandy ! Way back I had a Mainline Ute ( Aussie model ) . I cut the sills out and reversed the shape and welded in new ones then put side pipes that I made in where the sills were . They were tucked in fairly well but once I left it idling while my girlfriend went into a dairy . When she came out she brushed her leg against the pipe - nasty burn ! We have been married for nearly 53 years so I guess I was forgiven! Denis.
