OK, Maybe this is a stupid question and I'm not ready to rip into this project on the '60 Buick yet, but since it's Tech Week I thought it'd be a good time to ask this customs/bodywork question... I sometimes see lake pipes with a good portion of the front of the pipe covered. I dig the look. It seems that most of this could be accomplished by making a framework and welding a skin over it, but the curve at the front (where the pipes come out) is kind complex. When this custom treatment is done, is there a trick to it or do ya just start bending and welding? Does anyone sell pre-fab pieces to just weld on? If it's a do-it-yourself project, have any tips for a fabricating rookie?? I guess I'm concerned about the covers rattling against the pipes and generally wondering if there's an easier way to execute this look that's just escaping my beer-soaked brain? I've always kinda wondered about this and again, seems like Tech Week is the time to ask. I'll try to scab a picture from an Ebay listing so hopefully you can see what the Hell I'm talking about. Thanks in advance for the help! ~ Rob
Rob..just my opinion but I'd stay away from lakes pipes. To me they are just a cheap add on. That convertible has great lines and shouldn't need much to make it a really slick cruzer. Again just my opinion. If I was doing it I would get an exhaust shop to put a bend on the end of a pipe that is at least a half inch bigger than the lakes pipe. If the lakes pipes are fake you could just cut the bent end off the lakes pipe. If you want to run them for real you would have to cut the cover in half front to back so that it just covers the outside of the pipe. Clark
Like Clark stated a 90o bend on one end of a larger diameter length of tubing will give you a rounded end. If you want a point you will have to pie cut the end so it looks a little like a flower, then bend the "petals" in to form a point. Find a pipeline welder in your area, or go to a welding supply, they have templates for this. I have also seen 60 Plymouth taillight pods used and look good but they are getting hard to find. I like the look on the right car, and done right those big Buicks are a good candidate. My nickles worth. George
Just so you know what GV isreferring to, it's the '61 Plymouth tail light "pods" that work on them. "...wondering if there's an easier way to execute this look..." It can be hard or easy but it definitely has been executed to death. It's a good way to hide the front end of a too-short, mail order pipe. And since '61 parts have been suggested, you know what era custom they work on. Lakes pipes were around in the the 50's but rare. They didn't get popular till the 60's. It was a popular custom item with the Alexander Bros. One thing to remember before you weld that pipe solid from the wheel opening to the rocker panel. Make damn sure your fender is in perfect alignment because this is the las time it's coming off or moving without a cutting torch or a saws-all!
Yeah, I'd noticed the gas prices too. Scabbed the photo from a recently completed Ebay auction- the car is in Canada somewhere. Can't imagine that gas is that much cheaper there???? Hell, if it is it's worth the commute to fill up.
[ QUOTE ] Yeah, I'd noticed the gas prices too. Scabbed the photo from a recently completed Ebay auction- the car is in Canada somewhere. Can't imagine that gas is that much cheaper there???? Hell, if it is it's worth the commute to fill up. [/ QUOTE ] That splains it...It's for a liter, not a gallon
rob I totally disagree with clark on this one.. I think that "covered lakes pipes" as shown would look******in on your car.. as others have suggested a piece of tubing bent at a 90 angle would be an easy way to get the shape your looking for..
What looks cool is the '61 Plymouth tail light pod with a '59 Caddy tail light's chrome spear ring and the pipe in the middle.
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