'63 Corvette Fuelie Convertible, NCRS Top Flight, MCACN Triple Diamond
 

Beautiful car - love the colors, almost too nice to drive.

Can someone explain the black drips on the exhaust pipes? Just curious - I assume it's an original detail.

Link to 1963 Fuel Corvette eBay auction

https://www.ronsusser.com/listings/i...221/221759.jpg

https://www.ronsusser.com/listings/i...221/221773.jpg

https://www.ronsusser.com/listings/i...221/221857.jpg

https://www.ronsusser.com/listings/i...221/221818.jpg

30867S119564

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A preservative-black paint was applied to the exhaust system after its installation on the chassis but prior to body drop. The preservative paint was applied from above the chassis with a mitt/mop. Moderate to even heavy paint application was common on the top and sides. Paint runs and drips were common.

I do know that factory blackout was applied liberally in 1963. I can't speak to the authenticity of how this car had it applied, though.

----Very nice 63! Can't really comment on the exhaust drips, but since it's been judged by multiple people it's at least correct as far as the judging manuals are concerned.....Bill S

Very interesting.
I’m assuming this black preservative coating would not burn and smell?

I was of the understanding 63 was done a bit differently, as were many items. Here is a good pic from 65 showing the coating of the pipes.

Great picture Tim - lots of good details there.

Midyear C2 Corvette question,

So was this black protective coating on the exhaust pipes because of the fiberglass, as I’ve never seen this on a steel body?

Has this factory coating survived on any very low mileage Survivors?

Thanks.

----Tim,,, Would the exhaust have been hung on the frame before the engine and tranny were lowered in? Otherwise I would think there would be black spatter all over the place.....Bill S

I'd be lying if I answered either way Bill. I was of the opinion a mitt was used by an assembly line worker to apply the blackout. The mufflers were sprayed for blackout. Perhaps Tim G can chime in?