sweethence

Congrats on the 68 from rochetser, the 54 number was from a running thread we did last year or so I think I still have it somewhere Ill look

427basketcase

Very early 68's had the side rear view mirror placed a lot further forward than later 68's... The coupe interior had 2 sail panel courtesy lights also (one on each side) that was reduced to just one for 69, (drivers side) and later dropped completly.

Easy Mike

Welcome to the '68 owner's club.

Purchase the 1968 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and use the original GM part numbers you will find there for comparison with similar parts on later cars. THE NCRS Judging Manual is also helpful. The 1968-72 Corvette Fact Book by M. F. Dobbins is also an excellent source. Great underhood and interior pictures of original cars.

sweethence

the 68 brake swith is a square one year only deal, I think doc rebuild is making them but im not sure.

some more one/ part years include

The 68 steering wheel is a 16" wheel, and the colum itself is a carry over from 67

The 68 had a nose support bracket that was part year only, none for early models

The vent ***** one year only, early 68's had the overide controls more to the lright near the console (moved to center later)

Of course the push button door openers, and wider door panels. door pulls added for later 68's, the hidden ones would crack

the use of a wiper overide warning indicator on the guage cluster

the console plate was one year only with no engine ID plate

7" rims for the 68

one year only large journal 327

cheers


tim

dkeith

Welcome to the 68 club

Wolfgang5150

Thanks! Glad to join the 68 club and add another Vette to the household.
Dumb question - what does the brake switch light do?
Thanks for the Doc Rebuild lead....
Kevin

sweethence

Hey Kevin,

under the dash, the original 68 switch has a toggle type switch (later models used a plunger type) that when you press the pedal the switch closes the circuit and the tail lights come on. when it goes bad what you see is people using the 69 and later switch as a replacement using a different mounting bracket.

68's rock, we'll have to link up sometime, my vette actually came from Niagara falls when i got it 3 years ago

some other things that come to mind,

true quad tail lights with reverse on the lower valence.

wiper motor and associated wiring is one year only

if you have the high horse 327 it came with chrome stamped valve covers

the 68 bumper is one year though a 69 will interchange with it

the headlight doors had a part year configuration late and early

the gas tank is a 20 gal tank

the steering damper on the drag link was a part year option, later canceled

the early 68's Gauge cluster has a smooth finish vs the later pebble finish

the parking brake console had pockets for the seat belts

68 was the last year for an external voltage regulator, with associated wiring harness differences

radio ***** were a one year style

Tobacco was a one year interior color option as well as the comfort weave seats

the panels that attach to the side of the forward console were a part year release, some just had a clip while later ones had a screw fastener

the shift early shift boot was part year later ones went into later models

the 68 tach cable was screw on vs the later clip style

body mounts were solid aluminum, later years were rubber (I have heard some 69's had the solid mounts but never seen it my self )

rocker covers were a two piece design that carried over into 69

dash wiring harness

headlight swithch bezel

vacuum hose set up

Front grill and painting

I'm sure some others will come to mind

small block intake with oil fill tube

early ragtop latches

cheers

tim

Blue68

The turn signal switch in the steering column is a 67/68 only part. There were some companies who were selling them recently but I do not know if they still are.

wayne h.

Wolfgang5150

Great information everyone. Thanks!
Kevin

sweethence

the whole column was a carry over from 67, you can use the switch from the same year biscaine as well

Ironcross

...

how about 4 tail lights and the valance for the backup lights. Front spindles are as 67`s and earlier. 9`s and after are different bearings. Shifter **** is chrome plated and not plastic. No tilt or telescope either. And my favorite is it`s not a stingray and has plain gills, no chrome on them. As well as I know there is only one grill throughout the 68 model run carring chrome only on the leading edges on the center 4 ribs across the whole grill, including the center. It also has a small front spoiler.

geopar

In addition:

Early interior door handles were smooth vrs. ribbed on the back (inner) side.

Windshield washer nozzles mounted on grill behind wiper door vrs. on wiper arms.

Front grill brackets unique.

Early sill plates WERE wider on the innermost side.

Front spindles are smaller diameter (same as mid years)

Lower valances did not have cutouts for air flow----Dealers were instructed to retro cut these.

Real halo panels (on coupes) were configured differently.

Pop out rear window latches were different shape.

T top stainless trim was different configuration, as was the weather stripping.

No stainless "tips" on the hard top.

No bumper stops on read convertible deck lid.

Bolt holes on frame horns and their extensions were of a different configuration.

Angle on end of front bumper reinforcement extensions was different.

No gromments were used under the interior dash screws.

Shoulder belts did not retract, had a "hanger" and did not have the guides on top of the seats.

I know there's more......

G.

Alan 71

I'm serious with this question.
I know there was a real push to get the 68 finally into production... BUT... why SO MANY 'one year only' parts ?
It seems like some changes were for 'function', some for 'style', some for ???.
What happened ?
Regards,
Alan

sweethence

Who can say for sure, but this was the first year of this body style / generation, and the highest selling corvette to date as far as production numbers. So engineering improvements, as well as customer dealer feedback played a large role I am sure

Ironcross

I was thinking of adding a comment about yearly changes in Vettes in my reply above and decided not to. But here it is since the subject has now showed up. Nearly every year has several minor changes such as interiors, engines, colors and cosmetic differences just because it`s a new year from the old. There were a few years you couldn't tell the difference unless you really knew your Vette history.

The 59 and 60 comes to mind where its almost impossible to tell the difference at first glance. 53 and 54`s were another closely identified year where it was hard to identify the year. So, changes were not unusual. 62`s are another look a like with the 61`s. But nearly all the major body pieces are not interchangeable. Take 63`s, another maverick Vette with a list of changes as long as your arm with differences as to a 64. First and last years of a basic body style seem to be the worst offenders....

early shark

Very true.

Some of the previous posts are not quite correct in their listings, a lot of the '68 only parts were used either in 1967 or 1969, so they are not one year/ unique as stated.

Paul Borowski

...don't feel like typing so I'm going to post a pic to show the differences...

international blue

Great News! Another 68!

Dont forget the first part, THE FRAME!

The 68 frame is one year only, and changes near the end of the year.

JOE

Douglas Mariani

Welcome to the 68 club

Wolfgang5150

Thanks all! Once my barn is finished (30 x 40) in a few weeks I will be able to dive into this project a lot further. (Of course my barn will be a project as well.....)
Kevin S.
Orchard Park, NY