68-69 vette
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
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From: Palm Bay FL
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,926
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From: Lansing MI
Depends on how accurate you are going with a restoration. Are you going for top flite ncrs restoration or repairing for a good driver? That will determine how hard parts will be to locate. The big problem with the 68 is how they made changes throughout the production run. I've got a 68, but it's so unoriginal that there is no point in going original on anything.
Last edited by chazde3; Feb 14, 2016 at 09:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 8
From: Palm Bay FL
Depends on how accurate you are hoing with a restoration. Are you going for top flite ncrs restoration or repairing for a good driver? That will determine how hard parts will be to locate. The big problem with the 68 is how they made changes throughout the production run. I've got a 68, but it's so unoriginal that there is no point in going original on anything.
Thanks for you input I appreciate it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
My favorite difference is the key switch location. 69 on the column, 6t8 on the dash. Some will say the dual tail and brake lite on the 6t8 is their favorite, some say the sidepipe option {69 only]. There is quit a few other differences plus more options available for the 69. T
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
The 68 didn't have the Stingray emblem on the front fender as the 69 does. The 68 has a smooth dash where the 69 has map pockets. The steering wheel on the 68 is one inch larger than the 69 at 16" dia. To open the doors on the 68s involved pushing in the lock mechanism and folding the door plate down while the 69s only had the folding plate mechanism. Lots of other little fitment issues were addressed in the 69 year.
Personally, I wish the ignition switch remained on the dash for 69. Feels more racy to me to start the car on the dash instead of the steering column. Also, the 68s could be ordered in the corvette bronze with the tobacco interior, stunning color that really lights up in the sun. Just a few things there that people prefer to have/not have.
Personally, I wish the ignition switch remained on the dash for 69. Feels more racy to me to start the car on the dash instead of the steering column. Also, the 68s could be ordered in the corvette bronze with the tobacco interior, stunning color that really lights up in the sun. Just a few things there that people prefer to have/not have.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
The nice thing is that you can make some changes to the 68 that the 69 had without much issue, I say that like every project/task is simple and won't cause you to utter expletives under your breath. For example, you can install the 69 side pipes and louver trim if you aren't going down the NCRS style restoration route. Just a thought.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 95
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
[QUOTE=terrys6t8roadster;1591550791]My favorite difference is the key switch location. 69 on the column, 6t8 on the dash. Some will say the dual tail and brake lite on the 6t8 is their favorite.
Key switch location, dual tail & brake lights, exterior push button doors - love it all. Makes the '68 unique.
Just my $0.02
Key switch location, dual tail & brake lights, exterior push button doors - love it all. Makes the '68 unique.
Just my $0.02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,033
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
It is unbelievable how many changes were made between a 68 and 69. I speak from 43 1/2 year ownership. The 68 interior is just beautiful with the flowing dash lines going across the door panels and wrapping around the back window on a coupe. Lou.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Sadieville Kentucky
Safety Car
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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The '68 is as unique as a C-3 as the '63 split window is unique to the C-2's.
You have a one off design.
'69-'72 have more similarities than the '68-'69 comparison.
There was only one year split and only one year Mako ever produced.
The parts are out there I try to replace when/where avail with old take offs or NOS if lucky to find.
I'll also put a Napa oil filter or fuel pump on my 427 without any remorse.
It still remains a '68.
I like mine.
They are still affordable too.
Marshal
You have a one off design.
'69-'72 have more similarities than the '68-'69 comparison.
There was only one year split and only one year Mako ever produced.
The parts are out there I try to replace when/where avail with old take offs or NOS if lucky to find.
I'll also put a Napa oil filter or fuel pump on my 427 without any remorse.
It still remains a '68.
I like mine.
They are still affordable too.
Marshal
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
One of the biggest differences between the '68 and '69 that hasn't been mentioned so far, is the production numbers. In '68 28,566 Corvettes were produced, in 1969 38,762 were produced, making 1969 Corvettes the most prolific until 1976 when more than 46 thousand were produced. There are a lot of 1969 Corvettes still out there.
As others have already mentioned, there are quite a few differences between these two years, and over the years, many 68's have inherited parts from other years. Most wouldn't amount to a hill of beans to anyone but a purist, so keep that in mind when you're searching for the right car for you.
Good luck... GUSTO
As others have already mentioned, there are quite a few differences between these two years, and over the years, many 68's have inherited parts from other years. Most wouldn't amount to a hill of beans to anyone but a purist, so keep that in mind when you're searching for the right car for you.
Good luck... GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,033
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
68 Coupes were only one third of the production run, due to the long delay in making the car have the world's first T-tops instead of the originally planned Targa one piece roof.
68's have really gotten the short end of the stick over the years. The first production coupes came out in the end of December 1967. Lou.
68's have really gotten the short end of the stick over the years. The first production coupes came out in the end of December 1967. Lou.
Last edited by loup68; Feb 16, 2016 at 07:17 PM.