68 or 69
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 407
Likes: 12
From: Maywood NJ
68 or 69
This question is for 1968 and 1969 owners but anyone can chime in. What made you buy a 68 over a 69 or a 69 over a 68. And im only talking about those 2 years. Id really like to hear what people like or dislike about those 2 years. And what made you go for one year over the other.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
My reason for my buying a 69 had more to do with my budget and the things that were a must, which was convertible and price, this was 09,
I looked at a 68 long and hard, it was a forum members and it had more rust than i felt his price reflected, he was firm,
I then looked at a 75 with 80 bumpers and 502 again too rusty,
My wife tina said that 69 was the must year to have because of the number and she actually found our car,
But i like a few 68 things so much our modded 69 will have them, the ign on the dash, the 4 tail lights, i personally like the push button doors better,
Either are wonderful years as are any 68-73, yeah, im biased to the chromies
I looked at a 68 long and hard, it was a forum members and it had more rust than i felt his price reflected, he was firm,
I then looked at a 75 with 80 bumpers and 502 again too rusty,
My wife tina said that 69 was the must year to have because of the number and she actually found our car,
But i like a few 68 things so much our modded 69 will have them, the ign on the dash, the 4 tail lights, i personally like the push button doors better,
Either are wonderful years as are any 68-73, yeah, im biased to the chromies
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 407
Likes: 12
From: Maywood NJ
My reason for my buying a 69 had more to do with my budget and the things that were a must, which was convertible and price, this was 09,
I looked at a 68 long and hard, it was a forum members and it had more rust than i felt his price reflected, he was firm,
I then looked at a 75 with 80 bumpers and 502 again too rusty,
My wife tina said that 69 was the must year to have because of the number and she actually found our car,
But i like a few 68 things so much our modded 69 will have them, the ign on the dash, the 4 tail lights, i personally like the push button doors better,
Either are wonderful years as are any 68-73, yeah, im biased to the chromies
I looked at a 68 long and hard, it was a forum members and it had more rust than i felt his price reflected, he was firm,
I then looked at a 75 with 80 bumpers and 502 again too rusty,
My wife tina said that 69 was the must year to have because of the number and she actually found our car,
But i like a few 68 things so much our modded 69 will have them, the ign on the dash, the 4 tail lights, i personally like the push button doors better,
Either are wonderful years as are any 68-73, yeah, im biased to the chromies
Then would be the back up lights under the tail lights. I do also like the push button doors better too.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Mine is a 71, but for the sake of the original question, I would prefer a 69 way more than a 68. For me, it was a GREAT year for GM, and I`ve always thought all the cars in 69 were better than the 68s. 67 and 68 saw big changes, and those first year runs had bugs to work out. but the design saw minor improvements also. And this wasn`t just in Corvettes... I prefer a 69 Firebird, or 69 Camaro much more than 68s.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 407
Likes: 12
From: Maywood NJ
Mine is a 71, but for the sake of the original question, I would prefer a 69 way more than a 68. For me, it was a GREAT year for GM, and I`ve always thought all the cars in 69 were better than the 68s. 67 and 68 saw big changes, and those first year runs had bugs to work out. but the design saw minor improvements also. And this wasn`t just in Corvettes... I prefer a 69 Firebird, or 69 Camaro much more than 68s.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
I have both 6t8 and 69. The 69 seems to be a better built car [more reinforcement] and has more options [is there anything better than OEM sidepipes]. I can just imagine how much better the early 80s vettes are. But such things as key location and 4 brake/tail lites is way cool. 1 year only stuff on the 68s make them unique. T
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MR68,
I really like the 69 the most of the 68-72 cars.
And…. I like it for the reasons you like the 68… I prefer that the doors not have the push-buttons and the back-up lights be part of the tail lights.
BUT….. when I think Corvette, I always think of this car…..and it's a 68…. so I don't know what I'm talking about!!!!
Regards,
Alan
I really like the 69 the most of the 68-72 cars.
And…. I like it for the reasons you like the 68… I prefer that the doors not have the push-buttons and the back-up lights be part of the tail lights.
BUT….. when I think Corvette, I always think of this car…..and it's a 68…. so I don't know what I'm talking about!!!!
Regards,
Alan
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 95
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Hi MR68,
I really like the 69 the most of the 68-72 cars.
And…. I like it for the reasons you like the 68… I prefer that the doors not have the push-buttons and the back-up lights be part of the tail lights.
BUT….. when I think Corvette, I always think of this car…..and it's a 68…. so I don't know what I'm talking about!!!!
Regards,
Alan
I really like the 69 the most of the 68-72 cars.
And…. I like it for the reasons you like the 68… I prefer that the doors not have the push-buttons and the back-up lights be part of the tail lights.
BUT….. when I think Corvette, I always think of this car…..and it's a 68…. so I don't know what I'm talking about!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Yes, indeed. How can you say "no" to that. What a beauty!!!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 423
Likes: 25
From: Boca Raton Florida
I guess after owning 3 68s and no 69s I would lean toward the 68. Last year of the small key in dash, first year of the long nose, and only year with push button opening. Minuses are some parts are impossible to find unless you want to spend HUGE.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Both are great cars but I never owned a 69 . I did own two 68 convertibles with 4 speed and loved everything about them , especially the one year only things and what could be wrong with one year only things ? Remember the 63 Split window ? That's what makes them special !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 102
From: Toms River New Jersey
This question is for 1968 and 1969 owners but anyone can chime in. What made you buy a 68 over a 69 or a 69 over a 68. And im only talking about those 2 years. Id really like to hear what people like or dislike about those 2 years. And what made you go for one year over the other.
68 convertible, Corvette Bronze with Tobacco, L-36 4 speed
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 489
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
Not much thought went in to it here. I simply bought a 68 due to a limited supply of local cars available at the time - I would have purchased any chrome bumper year be it coupe or convertible, auto or 4 speed.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: Herndon VA
I looked at both and it boiled down to the fact that the 69 does not have alot of unique parts like the 68. I was new to the vette game and read a few stories about guys struggling to find a 68 specific part. Additionally, I knew it had to have the 68/69 gills, but I did not want the push button doors or the other head aches that come with a first year production model.
Honestly I found both at around the same price and if you are going to do a resto then it probably doesn't matter much IMO. If you can find a good deal on either year then you should be fine regardless.
Honestly I found both at around the same price and if you are going to do a resto then it probably doesn't matter much IMO. If you can find a good deal on either year then you should be fine regardless.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
When I started looking for a C3 I initially was looking at 68s and 69s. I wasn't firm on one over the other but I do think the 68 interior is a little better looking without the map pockets on the passenger side. I haven't tried opening a 68 door but I suspect I'd like that better as I find the 69-82 doors awkward to open in that I can't squeeze the latch down all the way with one hand. I would think on a 68 door it would be easier to open by pushing your thumb on the button.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 407
Likes: 12
From: Maywood NJ
When I started looking for a C3 I initially was looking at 68s and 69s. I wasn't firm on one over the other but I do think the 68 interior is a little better looking without the map pockets on the passenger side. I haven't tried opening a 68 door but I suspect I'd like that better as I find the 69-82 doors awkward to open in that I can't squeeze the latch down all the way with one hand. I would think on a 68 door it would be easier to open by pushing your thumb on the button.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I guess 48 is young as far as strippers go,
Only ourists have to worry, as a modder
If i had a 68 i would worry zero about the one year stuff of so called bugs,
Like many people i will update my tail lights, might put a 68 dash on drivers side for key,
The push button doors, not a mod i will tackle when electric u
Poppers are so easy to install...
Only ourists have to worry, as a modder
If i had a 68 i would worry zero about the one year stuff of so called bugs,
Like many people i will update my tail lights, might put a 68 dash on drivers side for key,
The push button doors, not a mod i will tackle when electric u
Poppers are so easy to install...