1968 Corvette Bumper Brace
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 502
Likes: 37
From: Omaha Nebraska
1968 Corvette Bumper Brace
I just want to confirm what I think I might know. I'm working on getting my bumper in shape before I let a paint guy paint my car. I acquired a bumper brace that is bolted to the frame off ebay. the seller listed it as a 1968 bumper brace.
When i went to bolt it to my frame, the bolt holes didn't line up with the holes on the frame. The holes on the frame seem to be more widely spaced.
Did I fall victim to the dreaded 69 part that doesn't fit a 68? What would you recommend? should I drill out the slots to accommodate the later year bumper brace? Or should I start the hunt for an original.
When i went to bolt it to my frame, the bolt holes didn't line up with the holes on the frame. The holes on the frame seem to be more widely spaced.
Did I fall victim to the dreaded 69 part that doesn't fit a 68? What would you recommend? should I drill out the slots to accommodate the later year bumper brace? Or should I start the hunt for an original.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Duffeball, Do you mean the large center brace, or the outer "dog leg" braces? On a 68, the front frame "ears" have a bracket on each side that are 68 specific, due to the hole spacing on the frame ears. On a 69-72, I think, the brackets are the same. The outer bumper "dog leg" braces bolt to this. Also the front cross member, that holds the radiator support, bolts to the bottom of this bracket. Hope this helps. Lou.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 502
Likes: 37
From: Omaha Nebraska
It will be a driven car. I am referring to the outer most " dog leg" brace that goes through the fender skirt out to the corner of the fender. so the ends of those are even different from 68 to 69?
anyone have a spare laying around they'd like to trade for a 69? ha. I'll have to start scouring.
anyone have a spare laying around they'd like to trade for a 69? ha. I'll have to start scouring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
68 And 69 front, outer bumper braces should be the same. The 70 to 72 braces have a different angle to them. I do not know about different part numbers on a 68 and a 69. By the way, my company made those braces but I did not start working there in maintenance until September of 1974. If the original 68 and 69 braces are different, I wish someone would post pictures of them. We made many "service part" braces. One for 68,69 and the quite different 70-72. Lou.
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