1968 Early vs Late
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Saint Petersburg FL
1968 Early vs Late
I'm trying to buy some replacment parts for my 68 and have the option of Early or Late parts. I can tell that it was built sometime in May of 68. Does that qualify as early or late?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I think it will depend on what parts your looking to buy, there were too many running changes to set a date for early or late.
Both my '68s were built in June so if you need any pictures to compare your parts to just ask.
I'm sure someone here has a May built car that would be willing to help as well.
Both my '68s were built in June so if you need any pictures to compare your parts to just ask.
I'm sure someone here has a May built car that would be willing to help as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
May 68 is definitely not considered "early" but I imagine there are some items that were changed after May. So you aren't early, you aren't late, you are "just right" 
(But if only given 2 choices I would go with "late")
(But if only given 2 choices I would go with "late")
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I'd guess that you are in the "late" category. Call the vendor and ask what the "serial number break-point" is for the change to that part. If he/she doesn't know what you are asking, tell him that they are selling the parts and their catalog shows the "early" & "late" designations; they should know if they want to sell the part. 
Then just buy it from another source that does know. 
Then just buy it from another source that does know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Even if a supplier can't give you a break point for an early or late part, they should be able to tell you the difference between them. In nearly all cases there will be visual or measurable difference in the parts.
Jim
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
"Early" and "late" usually apply to a specific running change. For '68, there were several running changes. As an example, early cars had the seat back release ***** at the bottom of the seat back; later cars had the ***** moved up to just below the center of the seat. The seat backs are different. Ditto for the interior door panels; early cars did not have the grab handle below the finger grip; later cars had the handle.
What particular parts are you wanting to replace?
The '68 assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows evidence of some of these changes if you look through the drawing revision dates and notes in the title blocks.
My '68 was assembled in April, so she's a month older (earlier) than your car.
What particular parts are you wanting to replace?
The '68 assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows evidence of some of these changes if you look through the drawing revision dates and notes in the title blocks.
My '68 was assembled in April, so she's a month older (earlier) than your car.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 2, 2009 at 11:51 AM.
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CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,330
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
I also have a May 68 car (May 29th tag)........May seemed to be a turning point for many parts. I've had my 68 since 1985 so tell us what parts in particular you are looking for. Take care, john
