Zealot

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and haven't even got a 'Vette yet, but I think I have settled on a 1968 or 1969. I probably won't be able to get one for a couple of years until my wife gets out of nursing school. Anyway the bug has got me and I'm doing a ton of internet window shopping.

It seems like half the ads show the car with the hood not all the way closed like this:
https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ette/100957593

Is this a know issue? I realize that the panel gaps aren't as even as modern cards, but that seems excessive.

Thanks for keeping my bug fed these past few months even if you didn't know I was lurking!

Regards,
Simon

CanadaGrant

The hood is not fully latched in most of those pics. No idea why but it is closed and latched in pics 5, 11, and 14 so it does close.

Zealot

Thanks. I was seeing it for ads where they were asking $50K, and it left me wondering if I just wasn't in on the secret.

Simon

marshal135

Simon,
Welcome and always ask away that's how we all learned.
I think the body gaps varied from car to car from GM.
My car has gaps that would not be acceptable today.
Even in a no hit original paint body the fit was good but not great.
Metal is easier to tweak than fiberglass.
Many of these cars needed paint a few years into their service.
GM never expected them to have the following they do today and be kept alive this long.
1968 is a first year car and such is mine.
Parts are more universal for a late 69 and you still get the 4 gill look.
I love mine and you will too. Be patient once she's a nurse she'll be able to buy ya 1.
Marshal

Rescue Rogers

As stated above thats just for the ease of opening it for the picks. It will sit flat and be somewhat even and level but the gaps between panels may wander. My early 68 wiper door isnt perfect, expecially the fresh air grill in front of it. Other notes on Early 68s are when driving, if you get on a bumpy road or cross railroad tracks the passenger side will pop open. Its been like that on mine since I got it and I kept messing with it until Johns dad told me they did that from the factory until they stiffened the frame in late 68. something to consider. If you want the allure of a one year, first year car get the 68. If you want one with most of the bugs worked out, make sure its the end of 68 early 69.