Question about '68's
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
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From: Peoria Arizona
Question about '68's
When I was younger one of my brothers had a '68 427 car. After reading some of the posts on here, I am seeing that there are lots of 1 year only things with a '68 which I did not realize.
What types of things are they? Interior etc? or more major parts of the car? I remember the door handles being different (no button if I recall). Guess I was young and paying attention to the engine and 4 speed instead of details.
What types of things are they? Interior etc? or more major parts of the car? I remember the door handles being different (no button if I recall). Guess I was young and paying attention to the engine and 4 speed instead of details.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Here ya go, let me make this ez for ya. 3 pages of posts. I saved this in my favorites. 68's are great cars. I love mine.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...only-list.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...only-list.html
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,681
Likes: 3,134
From: Shamong, NJ
Front to back, there are tons of 68 only parts on those cars. Many of the parts changed more than once, throughout the year.
No front spoiler
No holes in the lower front valance on early cars
Grill brackets
3 different sized headlight doors
3 different surround panels to go with the headlights
2 different wiper door grills
Wiper door and molding
Radiator core support
SB valve covers
Wiper motor
Wiper arms
Washer nozzles
Steering column
Left side dash and ignition switch
Right side dash panel
2 different 68 only style door panels
Doors, exterior door handles, and some internal hardware
No loops on rear compartment doors
Coupe interior dome lamps
2 different spring loaded rear comp. hinges
2 or 3 different windshield header moldings
2 different top alignment pin receivers
Outer windshield moldings
Removable hardtop rear mounting hardware
Early seats & seat backs unique to 68
Second design seat shared with 69
3 different headliner types for coupes
Removable rear window latches
Wheels
Rear valance panel
Back up lamps
Gas door emblem
Side marker lights
Shifter ball
Shifter console plate
Park brake console
Seat belts
I've missed a few things, but these are some of the unique 68 items, that come to me off the top of my head.
No front spoiler
No holes in the lower front valance on early cars
Grill brackets
3 different sized headlight doors
3 different surround panels to go with the headlights
2 different wiper door grills
Wiper door and molding
Radiator core support
SB valve covers
Wiper motor
Wiper arms
Washer nozzles
Steering column
Left side dash and ignition switch
Right side dash panel
2 different 68 only style door panels
Doors, exterior door handles, and some internal hardware
No loops on rear compartment doors
Coupe interior dome lamps
2 different spring loaded rear comp. hinges
2 or 3 different windshield header moldings
2 different top alignment pin receivers
Outer windshield moldings
Removable hardtop rear mounting hardware
Early seats & seat backs unique to 68
Second design seat shared with 69
3 different headliner types for coupes
Removable rear window latches
Wheels
Rear valance panel
Back up lamps
Gas door emblem
Side marker lights
Shifter ball
Shifter console plate
Park brake console
Seat belts
I've missed a few things, but these are some of the unique 68 items, that come to me off the top of my head.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Also, '68 still had ignition key on dash. '69 and later is on steering column. '68 had a big 16" diameter steering wheel...and the differences go on ad infinitum. I count about 112 improvement on 69's. The biggest getting rid of that dorky push button door entry.
Even though the shark design was supposed to happen in '67, GM spent a whole 'nother year getting out the bugs with the new design and still didn't get it right. Just say NO to '68.
Even though the shark design was supposed to happen in '67, GM spent a whole 'nother year getting out the bugs with the new design and still didn't get it right. Just say NO to '68.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Naperville Illinois
Also, '68 still had ignition key on dash. '69 and later is on steering column. '68 had a big 16" diameter steering wheel...and the differences go on ad infinitum. I count about 112 improvement on 69's. The biggest getting rid of that dorky push button door entry.
Even though the shark design was supposed to happen in '67, GM spent a whole 'nother year getting out the bugs with the new design and still didn't get it right. Just say NO to '68.
Even though the shark design was supposed to happen in '67, GM spent a whole 'nother year getting out the bugs with the new design and still didn't get it right. Just say NO to '68.
I won't claim to be objective, but your comments don't reflect an unbiased perspective either. At any rate, the auction market certainly doesn't reflect a preference for '69s over '68s--in fact I think '68 gets the nod on the auction block. Further, many of the '68 only items (steering wheel, key in the dash, separate reverse lights) are considered by many to be better.
I'll give ya the push button, though. Pain in the a**.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Burning Brakes
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From: Naperville Illinois
Race Director
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Let's not forget there were no "Stingray" emblems on the 68. Did anyone mention 7" rallye wheels instead of the 8" on later years?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Southern NH
My girlfriend has no problems opening the doors
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Have you owned a 1968 Corvette? Did something bad happen to you in one?
I won't claim to be objective, but your comments don't reflect an unbiased perspective either. At any rate, the auction market certainly doesn't reflect a preference for '69s over '68s--in fact I think '68 gets the nod on the auction block. Further, many of the '68 only items (steering wheel, key in the dash, separate reverse lights) are considered by many to be better.
I'll give ya the push button, though. Pain in the a**.
I won't claim to be objective, but your comments don't reflect an unbiased perspective either. At any rate, the auction market certainly doesn't reflect a preference for '69s over '68s--in fact I think '68 gets the nod on the auction block. Further, many of the '68 only items (steering wheel, key in the dash, separate reverse lights) are considered by many to be better.
I'll give ya the push button, though. Pain in the a**.
I've never owned a '68 and will state categorically that I never will. I don't object to the pushbutton door for mechanical reasons. It is a styling eyesore pure and simple.
If you happen to be reading this and own a '68, good for you. Love it to death. I'm not bashing per se. I just don't share your affection for them. Same as I don't care for the rubber bumper models or so-called sharks with egg crate gills.
I'm allowed to voice my opinions, aren't I?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
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From: Republic of Texas
At some '69 owners thinking their cars is leaps and bound better than a '69.Growing up in a classic car resto shop that specializes in classic Vettes, I can assure you there is no difference. To believe otherwise is wishful thinking.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
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From: Naperville Illinois
Yes, absolutely! That's what makes these boards worth reading--the sharing of experience and opinions. At the risk of seeming argumentative, allow me to suggest that the "experience" part is important when deciding whether to give consideration to someone's comments.
I'm sure your 1969 is fantastic, but I have no experience with '69s and so would not presume to know what if anything about them is better or worse than a 1968. I DO have quite a bit of experience with 1968 Corvettes--or, more accurately, one 1968 Corvette--and I'm telling you it's f****** AWESOME!!
I'm sure your 1969 is fantastic, but I have no experience with '69s and so would not presume to know what if anything about them is better or worse than a 1968. I DO have quite a bit of experience with 1968 Corvettes--or, more accurately, one 1968 Corvette--and I'm telling you it's f****** AWESOME!!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 362
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From: nashville tn
The rolling proto type
Just think of what every C3 owner would have if they never made a 68 ????
I wouldn't have it any other way than my 68, it's a work of art.
I wouldn't have it any other way than my 68, it's a work of art.
Last edited by dntoearthman; Oct 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM. Reason: spelling