Hello! My name is Jason and I have recently purchased an aborted project... a 1968 numbers matching, highly optioned BASKET CASE! Without spending too much time on how I came across it, here's what I have: Frame and suspension are done. All parts powder coated and assembled. Motor-done. Trans-done. Rear end-done. To stay as close to stock as possible or ??? is my biggest question at the moment. The body is in good shape, though the restoration place the family I got it from that was doing the restoration work had started sanding on it. It looks solid, but appears to have had the fenders flared at some point. Very good job I must admit, I can't even notice the work from the underside. The motor is currently buttoned up (HP stuff in side, but original block) it has an old aluminum Edlebrock TR1 manifold. I do have the original manifold though. The trans was replaced with a 400 along the way (I'm guessing) but it has 1968 date coding on it? The car's coding is red with red leather. It has power steering, power disk brakes, power windows, telescoping steering column and factory a/c. The motor is the 327/350HP. With the tranny originality in question, the tastefully flared fenders and the fact that the frame (while it looks great) and suspension parts were powder coated in gloss black... is it worth trying to do a factory correct restoration from here? I feel as though it would be wasted effort as far as potential resale? Just looking for advise and opinions. I still plan on keeping it color code correct... but there are some really good looking reds out there also? I'm all over the place with my own thoughts so I'd like to throw my project into the ring for everyone to chew on. And just for the record, while this is my first Corvette, I'm pretty handy with mechanical issues. My father was a mechanic who taught me well. Well enough to convence me to get a goeernment job and keep the love for cars as a hobby, not as job as he did. I have done many restorations and have about mastered body and fender on metal... and now... fiberglass? OK... but the body/fender stuff is down the road a ways. I've raced GM motored cars for 12 years or so. And to finish it off, I've learned to be patient and I do know that anything worth doing is worth doing right. Oh yeah, I have the original small pink California title and black license plate that was issues to it. Thanks to all in advance and I look forward to reading all everyone has to say. Jason

 

The TH400 became available for the 1968 model year, so it could be stock. Easiest way to check is to see whether the crossmember is removable. You will find an ID tag on the trans with tranny assembly date and the vehicle's VIN.

The 327/350 was optional, but required the 4 speed. Check the engine identification code stamped on the pad on the block at the front of the right head. You should find code HP or HT for the suffix. HO would indicate a base engine car with the TH400. A base engine 327/300 looks exactly like the 327/350 with the exception of the chrome valve covers.

Entirely up to you.

Yep. My advice is to sit down, give it some thought, and decide what you want to do with the car. You don't have to make a decision over night, but you will want to know exactly where you're going with the car when you start putting it back together.

Order a 68 owner's manual, GM chassis service manual, and the assembly instruction manual (AIM).

Congrats on the '68.

 

Yup good advice above. Some guys want total originality, to do that would require undoing some of the work. Personal choice as to what do you want the car to be.
Think about it for awhile. Personally I like a little upgrade, others in the corvette world cringe.