Info on 68' vettes
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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Info on 68' vettes
I am interested in getting a 68' vette and people are saying that I should look for 69' or newer. I would like to know the facts rather than opinions to determine if it is worth canceling the car off my list.
What are the real differences or draw backs about a 68'?
Any info would be helpful, thanks
What are the real differences or draw backs about a 68'?
Any info would be helpful, thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I think many 68 owners would beg to differ with that statement. I know many and they love their cars. I think 68's got a bad rap because they were the first year C3 and had some quirks (as all C3's do) Other people may also say that being a C3 with some "one year only parts" they are harder to find parts for. I have never really heard anyone not be able to find parts for them. I think they are unique in their own way and I would buy one in a minute if I had the chance. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
I don't think they made any Vettes 68' long.
If you are looking at '68s, there are some differences but they sold over 28,000 vehicles that year. They aren't the least bit rare. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the right '68. They were criticized for build quality when they first came out, but previous owners would have fixed those problems by now.
If you are looking at '68s, there are some differences but they sold over 28,000 vehicles that year. They aren't the least bit rare. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the right '68. They were criticized for build quality when they first came out, but previous owners would have fixed those problems by now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,667
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From: Shamong, NJ
I'm probably one of those people in the "buy a 69 up Corvette" group.
It's not that 68's are a bad car, it's just that I think there are better choices, especially for someone new to Corvettes (or at least new to old ones).
The one year only parts are an issue. There are some that are almost non existent. 1968 door lock assemblies are next to impossible to find, as are correct 68 grills, early headlight doors, the front latch plates for the top alignment pins, back up lamp housings, rear compartment door hinges, console shift plate, etc. Many of the 68 parts, had 2 or 3 design changes/revisions to them, during the model year. This doesn't help the situation either.
68 only parts are repro-ed, but many cost considerably more than the same part for later years. It's just harder for a manufacturer to recoup the cost of developing a part, that was only used for one year.
If your going to buy a 68, just be sure you know what your buying. Many people have bought them without knowing enough about them, and have become disillusioned or disappointed.
It's not that 68's are a bad car, it's just that I think there are better choices, especially for someone new to Corvettes (or at least new to old ones).
The one year only parts are an issue. There are some that are almost non existent. 1968 door lock assemblies are next to impossible to find, as are correct 68 grills, early headlight doors, the front latch plates for the top alignment pins, back up lamp housings, rear compartment door hinges, console shift plate, etc. Many of the 68 parts, had 2 or 3 design changes/revisions to them, during the model year. This doesn't help the situation either.
68 only parts are repro-ed, but many cost considerably more than the same part for later years. It's just harder for a manufacturer to recoup the cost of developing a part, that was only used for one year.
If your going to buy a 68, just be sure you know what your buying. Many people have bought them without knowing enough about them, and have become disillusioned or disappointed.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Only people that well tell you pass on a '68 typically never owned one or owned a poor example of one. The '68 in no more inferior in quality than any other C3.
Last edited by Corey_68; Jun 28, 2011 at 12:57 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 543
Likes: 24
From: Riverside CA
I really enjoyed our '68 (late build) and as others have posted there are differences and you need to be aware of that.
Ours sold me back on the C3 and, getting another. Do not be afraid to even consider a BB (once you tried one, you are hooked).
Post your questions on this forum, it can be a wealth of information. Ask questions, and if in doubt, ask somebody to either go with you or, have them inspect the car. You'll be money ahead.
Eric
Ours sold me back on the C3 and, getting another. Do not be afraid to even consider a BB (once you tried one, you are hooked).
Post your questions on this forum, it can be a wealth of information. Ask questions, and if in doubt, ask somebody to either go with you or, have them inspect the car. You'll be money ahead.
Eric
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Fact: You need a thick skin and you need to know vettes in order to be happy owning a 68.
You need to be able to recognize quality and appreciate beauty on your own. If you need others to validate your decisions or tell you what is cool because you can't figure it out for yourself you will not be happy owning a 68.
You need to be able to recognize quality and appreciate beauty on your own. If you need others to validate your decisions or tell you what is cool because you can't figure it out for yourself you will not be happy owning a 68.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Polo: 4 years ago I was in the same situation you are in. I posted a queston on CF about whether to buy a '68 or not. Here is the link to the posting. Lots of good info there.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...uy-a-68-a.html
By the way I DID buy a '68 and have never looked back.
shmoky
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...uy-a-68-a.html
By the way I DID buy a '68 and have never looked back.
shmoky
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
Those that own a different year than another will most always criticizes a different year { maybe cause they don't own one? }....If you want problems, try a 1963....the rear window stainless costs more than the rest of some 63`s....and hot, the inside of 63 coupes are like a furnace blast...so they all had problems and no more for a 68 than any other year....and 69`s are just a 'blinged jobbed 68 of which a 68 has a cleaner look than the rest of yearly changes GM styling added to a basic 68..... enough that it almost takes a expert to distinguish the rest from a 68
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 289
From: Ocala FL
I don't think they made any Vettes 68' long.
If you are looking at '68s, there are some differences but they sold over 28,000 vehicles that year. They aren't the least bit rare. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the right '68. They were criticized for build quality when they first came out, but previous owners would have fixed those problems by now.
If you are looking at '68s, there are some differences but they sold over 28,000 vehicles that year. They aren't the least bit rare. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the right '68. They were criticized for build quality when they first came out, but previous owners would have fixed those problems by now.
The bad rap came about after a magazine review, or rather non-review because they said the car was in too bad of shape to be worthy of testing. What is always forgotten is that about 2 months later, they tested another 1968 Corvette and gave it flying colors. Everyone forgets that part.
If you were buying a '68 in November, 1967, that bad rap might be an issue. Buying in 2011, there can't be any of those issues still present.
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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My 68 may be my favorite Corvette in my garage. They are unique which is nice but can present challenges when restoring. The drive trains are the same as the much loved 67. Whatever early bugs were attributed to the 68 have been ironed out. Don't pass on a 68 to get a 69 or newer. Just make sure you get a good one.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Biloxi Mississippi
I love my 68 tri-power BB and would not trade it for any other. The one year only parts make it unique. The door handles and back up lights are very cool. If you like black, there were only 708 made. Also it is the year that they made twice as many convertibles as coupes.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
I like the ignition switch in the dash, the push button door locks and the many other 68 only items that make them unique.
I don't regret for one minute the 25 months spent making my 68 what it is today. At times it was frustrating finding some of those unique parts but the forum, ebay and many good vendors made it possible.
I don't regret for one minute the 25 months spent making my 68 what it is today. At times it was frustrating finding some of those unique parts but the forum, ebay and many good vendors made it possible.
ya, everyone I meet used to own a 68 corvette... just like mine. 