SIXTYTWO

Were these ID tags installed by the factory on 68 s with Muncie transmissions? I don't see them referenced in the NCRS manual but I'm being told they were used. Also are these the correct plug wire heat shields for a 68 big block ? Thanks

Alan 71

Hi sixtytwo,
There is brief mention of the 4-speed transmission identification tags being mounted under one of the lower side cover bolts in the the 4th edition of the 68-69 TIM&JG.
There's not any data however on the numbers themselves.
It's in the second paragraph on page 103 in the Chassis section.
Regards,
Alan

The latest 70-72 TIM&JG gives some examples of the tag information found on 70-72 M20, M21, and M22 transmissions.
Perhaps there will be some data collected like that for the next 68-69 manual.

Tooch1

Hi 62,
Yes that tag was used on the 68 Corvette Muncie Transmission. It is a part number, and usually bolted to one of the upper case bolts. The part numbers should be in your 68 AIM if you have it. The tag you have is for a 1968, M21 (close ratio), 427. In my research on these tags they were used from 1963 thru 1972 on corvettes, and other GM cars with the Muncie.
Later, the tags could be found with two letter broadcast code added to the end of the numbers. For example, the one pictured below. It is for a 72' M20 Wide Ratio.
FYI- Sometimes these were discarded by the mechanics when they took the trannys apart for a rebuild. Therefore, it may be missing. They are available on the web, but originals are pricey. Some of the corvette vendors do sell repros of some numbers. Really a big difference in appearance. Tags are required for NCRS judging, but it is very difficult for the judge to see if it's there.
Hope this helps you about the tag.
Take care,
Jimmy

Sorry,
Can't help you with the plug shields though. I'm sure someone will chime in on those.

SIXTYTWO

Alan and Jimmy
Thanks for your help. I'm an old C 1 and C 2 guy and recently bought a pretty original 68 which I'm not that familiar with. Only a few small things I wasn't clear on so far. Rich

Alan 71

Hi Rich,
I don't see anything in the 68-69 manual about bb spark plug heat shields …. but they certainly could have been used.
I think I remember something about the configuration of the shields changing over the years so I'm unsure if what's shown in your photo is typical for your 68 IF it used the shields.
There are a couple of strong 68 folks here so hopefully they'll be along to clarify things.
Regards,
Alan

Wouldn't mind hearing a little about your 68 and seeing a few photos too.
Good Luck with it!

PS:I spent a couple of summers in Beachwood in the 50s.

SIXTYTWO

It's a 37,000 mile two owner car, I'm the third owner. It's Bronze with a Tobacco interior, 390 HP 427, 4 speed, 3:36 posi. Original motor, trans, rear, paint, interior, and top. I've always liked the color combo and the originality of this car attracted me. It has lots of paper too such as original purchase agreement, window sticker, protecto plate, owners manual, radio instruction card, rally wheel card , keys, jack,etc. It has an old repair on the drivers front fender that's showing through now , rear bumpers should be plated , but otherwise pretty nice. Drove to Florida last week to pick it up and trailer it back home so haven't spent much time with it yet. I've attached some pictures below. Rich

Alan 71

Hi Rich,
My-oh-My!
Quite a nice looking car!
Such a LOT to like…. 68, convertible, 427, 4-speed, 37k miles, in a terrific late 60's color combination, AND with SO many of it's original parts still in attendance!!!!
You must be pretty excited!
I hope it gives you lots of pleasure!!
Regards,
Alan

Tooch1

Rich,
What a beautiful car. You have to be super excited about it. Love that color combo, especially that tobacco interior, and the wonderful aged patina of the paint!! Wow!!
Good luck with it, thanks for sharing the photos.
I sent you a PM,
Take care!
Jimmy

ed427vette

Hello Rich,
Great car. I remember seeing this one come up in discussions some time ago. I remember this car as the cowl panel by the windshield is painted body color but should be black. I know we talked about this in that discussion, I dont remember if it was you or not, but I have a feeling you are going to find much of your paint is probably not original, at least not by the windshield forward. The very early 68s have that area body color but I remember the vin on this car being well past that point.
Its easy to fix, easy area to paint yourself. Your car looks very original, if I were you I would get that done just because everything else seems so correct. Guys that appreciate cars like this will keep bringing it up to you especially if you tell them its original paint.
I don't think the plug shields were used on the early C3's. I know I have not seen them on 69s and do not recall them on the 68s but remember having seen them on the c2s although I know next to nothing about the C2.
Really great car.
Ed

Alan 71

Hi Ed,
Thanks for the shield info.
I see mention of the tubular heat shields in the 70-72 TIM&JG as appearing during the model year 71 build period and continuing on through 72 production.
Regards,
Alan

ed427vette

Hello Alan,
I thought I had remember seeing them on later cars also but was not sure if they were correct. I know people install them anyway and I've seen them on all years but know they are not correct for 69 BB and was pretty sure they are not correct for 68.
Sincerely,
Ed

loup68

Ed, what is the VIN change from body color to black on the hood surround? Lou.

ed427vette

I am not exactly sure of the earliest VIN number that has the black on the hood ledge but from what I recall the change occurred by November sometime during the 4000 cars. I am sure there is more accurate info than what I just gave. Stan probably knows.

In the book by MF Dobbins he mentions this on page 26 (forth edition) and shows a car in the 3000s with a body color ledge. But he doesn't elaborate on the date or car number of the exact change.

I know that does not narrow it down much but I know members on this forum know and have probably posted about it.

It was (and still is) a common mistake that the painters made on these cars when they were repainted. Years ago nobody cared that much about these small details. Nowadays more body shops pay more attention and most people have there Corvettes painted by shops familiar with there special needs. When you see it on a new paint job you know they did not take it to a Corvette shop, or did not take it to a good one....

dugsgms74

No heat shields on BB engines in 68. I believe that is the correct trans tag for a 68 close ratio with 3.55 and numerically lower rear gears. The tag tells you a couple of things, first is type(M20,M21,M22) and what range of rear gears that trans was intended for, no direct correlation with the engine it was used behind.

Great car! hope to see/hear more about it, Doug

20mercury

FWIW, I had a base 327 68 with the original 68 Muncie 4 sp, no drain hole, and no suffix on the case to determine if M20 or M21. Finally noticed the metal tag on one of the 4sp cover bolts, stamped 3915088, and then noticed on UPC M20 A1 in the 68 AIM that this was the part number for a "Trans RPO M20". Hmm, mystery solved; a wide ratio 4sp. And another 68 fun fact discovered, LOL's!

Beautiful Corvette and Congratulations on a Great Find!!!

bkvette3

What a beauty - enjoy the ride.

loup68

Ed, thank you for the reply. I had my 68 coupe repainted and repaired about four years ago and the painter wanted to paint the back surround area black. I could have sworn that it was body color. And that is how it is now. To me it looks better body color. I do not understand why they painted the 68-72's that way, with the wiper panel. I can understand them doing it on the 73-82 models, that do not have the wiper panel. Lou.