1969 Big Block Identification
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
1969 Big Block Identification
Hi All,
I know what you're going to say, this has been asked dozens of times before and I apologise. I have just not been able to find the threads with the advanced search function, google, etc.
My question is this - What are the telltale signs that SUGGEST a 1969 is a big block car?
No points for the obvious one tank sticker, protect-o-plate.
My previous research tells me:
1 tacho redline
2 ID plate on centre console
3 two fuel lines - one return line
4 number of leaf springs
I am looking at a possible L68 with no tank sticker. Numbers match, c3 registry suggests it is, just thought I'd like a checklist of things that would suggest it is a true L68. I know, nothing guarantees it, not even a tank sticker given the counterfeits out there, but the more I can tick off on my laundry list the better.
Appreciate a link if you guys know the previous thread where this has been covered.
For those interested this is the car:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
Thanks all.
JC
I know what you're going to say, this has been asked dozens of times before and I apologise. I have just not been able to find the threads with the advanced search function, google, etc.
My question is this - What are the telltale signs that SUGGEST a 1969 is a big block car?
No points for the obvious one tank sticker, protect-o-plate.
My previous research tells me:
1 tacho redline
2 ID plate on centre console
3 two fuel lines - one return line
4 number of leaf springs
I am looking at a possible L68 with no tank sticker. Numbers match, c3 registry suggests it is, just thought I'd like a checklist of things that would suggest it is a true L68. I know, nothing guarantees it, not even a tank sticker given the counterfeits out there, but the more I can tick off on my laundry list the better.
Appreciate a link if you guys know the previous thread where this has been covered.
For those interested this is the car:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
Thanks all.
JC
Last edited by itsallme; Mar 19, 2012 at 10:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Early build...no side exhausts installed at the factory until late December or early January, if I am not mistaken. What else has been added?
The hood does not fit good...may not be original. Another red flag.
That is a lot of money for an undocumented car. Any previous owners available to verify authenticity?
The hood does not fit good...may not be original. Another red flag.
That is a lot of money for an undocumented car. Any previous owners available to verify authenticity?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
69 Chevy - thanks I forgot about that one.
Faster rat / Easy Mike - thanks for that, I wasn't aware there were no factory sidepipes on early build 69's. So at least one thing is not original...I will check out the hood too if I head over to that side of the Country to look at it.
Easy Mike - $60K is actually quite good for a highly optioned L68 in this country (Australia). For comparison here are some others we have down under:
L71 for $120K with docs: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L71 for $85K with POP: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L71 for $65K with no docs: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L36 with no docs for $50K: http://gmdownunder.com.au/component/...-big-block/108
SB low horsepower for $42K
: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
Or look here: http://gmdownunder.com.au/
And for dollar comparison 1 AUD buys 1.04 USD so the Aussie dollar is actually more valuable than the US dollar, so we pay big bucks for our vettes...
Anyone have anything else that suggests original big block, or even original L68?
Faster rat / Easy Mike - thanks for that, I wasn't aware there were no factory sidepipes on early build 69's. So at least one thing is not original...I will check out the hood too if I head over to that side of the Country to look at it.
Easy Mike - $60K is actually quite good for a highly optioned L68 in this country (Australia). For comparison here are some others we have down under:
L71 for $120K with docs: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L71 for $85K with POP: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L71 for $65K with no docs: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1
L36 with no docs for $50K: http://gmdownunder.com.au/component/...-big-block/108
SB low horsepower for $42K
: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...rice:Min,Max~1Or look here: http://gmdownunder.com.au/
And for dollar comparison 1 AUD buys 1.04 USD so the Aussie dollar is actually more valuable than the US dollar, so we pay big bucks for our vettes...
Anyone have anything else that suggests original big block, or even original L68?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If you decide to go look at it, take a high resolution photo of the engine stamp pad and post it here. If the car is up on a lift, take another photo of the transmission case VIN derivative stamp. If they both look the same and have not been tampered with, you are probably looking at an original drivetrain car.
Big block cars have rear sway bars. They also have larger diameter front sway bars. Probably larger coil springs...but not so sure.
A big block car should have a large copper/brass Harrison radiator, an external aluminum expansion tank on the passenger side fender well, a large plastic fan shroud with a bolted bottom extension and a 7-blade square-tipped fan with the A/C.
Big block cars have rear sway bars. They also have larger diameter front sway bars. Probably larger coil springs...but not so sure.
A big block car should have a large copper/brass Harrison radiator, an external aluminum expansion tank on the passenger side fender well, a large plastic fan shroud with a bolted bottom extension and a 7-blade square-tipped fan with the A/C.
