Hello, First off i am new to the forum, but wanted to say that the post have been very helpful on my journey to restoring a semi recently acquired 69 vette. I purchased a numbers matching 69 427 390hp vette that was partially restored. The frame and engine are completely rebuilt but the interior and option were uninstalled or missing. I been starting the process to hunt down original used (in good shape) or nos parts. I been having a tough time trying to figure out if i have an early or late model. I been searching around but haven't really found an answer. The vin is 194379S720108 and the trim codes are H26 = March 26 1969
Trim 407 Paint 974. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you
Ben

 

1969s have so many odd parts that change throughout the model year, that I do not believe the cars are designated as "early" or "late."

I believe that designation goes to the PART you are discussing, such as the early window design or the early/ late actuator, etc.

Buy Rick Bizoccos book on 69s, it's worth every dime.

 

Early and late almost always refer to running changes made on the assembly line. Cars without the change are "early" for that specific change. Cars with the change are late. Keep in mind the 69 production year ran long due to the strike.

H26 looks correct. The last March car was #20543. Your car was about 400 units ahead of #20543.

 

there are several differences,
1.early: seat back latch low position, -- late: seat back release about 12 inches higher for easy access.
2. early:wiper door actuator Pie plate design, -- late used the coffee can design.
3. window glass main support early used a 3 inch wide support, --
late used a slim main track the width of the rollers.
4. frame early had no kickup supports, late added the supports on the frame for support.

 

You have them reversed. We know what you meant

 

Mine is a AC car around 19000 (march 15) so we should have somewhat similar parts I would think.

 

My 69 has a lot of early parts but the rear frame supports i thought that was on all 69s and most not all 68s...ie my donor 68 frame didnt have them so i added them....

 

Trivia Quiz for you 69 owners. How many times did the console trim plate change during the model year?

 

After May-June 1968 frames had the gusset supports to strengthen the frame rails at the kick ups.
I know its been discussed here, I participated in the conversation with Avalon John
Yes pie plate later cars.
Marshal

 

As parts were changed or updated, GM referred to them in their parts system as first design, second design and so on. GM never listed parts as early or late.

When a part was superseded by a better or cheaper part, the new part was usually put into use as soon as a supply of new parts was available.

To determine which version of a part you need, you either have to compare your part to what's available, or ask questions and research when changes took place to your year car.

1) All 69's used the seats with the higher seat back release. The change to the release took place during the 68 model year, not 69.

2) The "coffee can" actuator was the one used first 69. The 69 actuator had a 5/16" shaft, as opposed to the 1/4" shaft used on 68 actuators. The can type actuator was replaced with the actuator shaped like the headlight actuators.

4) As others have pointed out, all 69's had the frame reinforcement. This was a running change made during 68.

 

Three. Not sure of the sequence and at which vins. I think the last had the most screw holes.

And three vent **** changes, two square/triangle types and then the ball.

As for the wiper actuator there are actually THREE designs, not two. The first two were coffe can type. The first type had a screw hole holding the rubber boot in place on the actuator and the second had no screw hole. This occurred sometime in Feb between cars 715000 and 717000 as best I can tell. And then the third of course is the piepan type which came about sometime in September/October (not really sure of exact date or vin. I did know but keep forgetting. I have the info at home but right now I'm at work so all of this is off the top of my head.

Relay actuator moved to firewall from under the nose sometime in March. Then was further modified again later in the year to prevent a problem that occurred closing/opening the hood.

Two types of black smog pump brackets for 427 cars (as opposed to the orange bracket) Early design had a small slit to adjust the smog pump, later design slit was about an inch longer this occurred around February. Some people think the early design was 68 only but I'm positive it started to change around Feb 69.

Here is a pic of the two brackets

 

Yep.

 

On my last '69, it had 6 holes instead of 2 or four, and nothing for the screws to to attach to in at least 2 of them. And the data plata was a weird design, looked almost home made if I remember right. Found out it was original, was very surprised.

I think Rick Bs book describes these.

 

Yep, with pics of each.

 

FYI, your alternator belt and alternator pulley are not right. The belt is too big and should be driven off the front groove on the power steering pump only. Do you have a copy of the Assembly Instruction Manual?

 

I'll add:
5. On coupes, the rear window latches on "earlier" '69s are different from later. Earlier tabs were rectangular, later were a different shape, and the attachment points were different. (My 69 birth date is estimated to be Feb 1).