When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Can someone confirm what kind of hardtop wrench came with a '68 Corvette? I have read various places that it was a 1/2" - 9/16" "Challenger" brand wrench. Various vendors list the 7/16" - 1/2" "VLCHEK" wrench as used on '63-'67 models as being correct for '63-'71. Which is it?
Thanks "BK3". I swear I did a search, both here and on "Google" for "Challenger 5418" did not find the thread you referenced. Now that I look at it, your thread does not have that particular set of characters in it. It looks like I have to be more skillful with my searches.
After reading the link supplied by "bkvette3", I have been out acquiring information (and a few wrenches). The first thing that I found is that the "VLCHEK" wrenches that everybody sells reproductions of for '53-'71 Corvettes are not correct for C3 Corvettes. According to the supplied link, VLCHEK went out of business in 1967 and those wrenches are 7/16" - 1/2", while everything I have found indicates the C3 wrenches are 1/2" - 9/16". I have concentrated on "Challenger" brand wrenches, because they are the ones that everyone seems to agree were originally supplied with C3 Corvettes.
Over the last couple of years, I have accumulated 4 wrenches that seem to be good candidates for genuine C3 hardtop wrenches. I have one Challenger 5418, two Challenger 5718's, and one Proto-Challenger 5718. I think we can eliminate the Proto-Challenger, as Proto acquired Challenger after the C3 period was well underway, and Chevrolet did not supply hardtop wrenches after 1971. I personally think the Proto-Challenger wrenches, being significantly larger than the older Challenger wrenches, are also of a size not appropriate for this use. Although more evidence points to the Challenger 5418 as being the wrench most likely supplied with the hardtops, I personally like the 5718, as it's smaller size seems more suited for storage in the storage compartment of a C3 (plus I have two of them).
Here are some picture of the wrenches In have collected. Any comments and/or corrections are welcome.
Can someone confirm what kind of hardtop wrench came with a '68 Corvette? I have read various places that it was a 1/2" - 9/16" "Challenger" brand wrench. Various vendors list the 7/16" - 1/2" "VLCHEK" wrench as used on '63-'67 models as being correct for '63-'71. Which is it?
If you are a Facebook member there is a 68 Corvette only group. Lots of knowledgeable people and good information on 68’s. You should join
If you are a Facebook member there is a 68 Corvette only group. Lots of knowledgeable people and good information on 68’s. You should join
Thanks for the information. However, I am not into "Facebook", "Twitter", and other such "social" stuff. I guess if an internet site called "The Corvette Forum" is not a good place for information like this, the world has passed me by.
Thanks for the information. However, I am not into "Facebook:, "Twitter", and other such "social" stuff. I guess if an internet site called "The Corvette Forum" is not a good place for information like this, the world has passed me by.
Me Too, Brother!!! LOL's!
(I am tempted to go look on facebook and check it out, but so far I have avoided little zuckerbutt and his minions, Ha!)
I think early 68's used the VLCHEK 1/2" x 7/16" wrench from 63 thru 67. VLCHECK went out of business 1969, I made an error in the manual. It will be corrected in the next edition.
Early 68 hardtops used the convertible top "pins" in the deck lid receivers, just like the convertible tops. Some time in 68, maybe late 68, I don't know, GM changed the pins to a long 3/8" long stud that went through the convertible top receiver and a rectangular steel washer and a flange nut with a 9/16" hex was used on the inside, bottom of the decklid. This was used through 1972 for sure. Probably later. With the introduction of this they needed a 1/2" x 9/16" wrench for the side bolts and the vertical nuts/studs.
1968 AIM lists the 1/2" x 7/16" wrench and bag in the shipping items. Starting in 1969, through 1971 they list the 1/2" x 9/16" wrench and bag. 1972 does not list a wrench, does list a bag.
When I ask owners of 70 and 71 if the wrench was original to the car, most will sheepishly say they bought it to comply with the Judging Manual. I have yet to find an original owner who said it came with the car. Reason why the 5th Edition NCRS Judging Manual reads as it does.
I am somewhat convinced 68 and 69 came with wrenches, but I think maybe by late 69 or early 1970, with VLCHEK closing, they were no longer provided. Just my theory.
Welcome comments. Just trying to lean more so we put the right info in the Judging Manual.
06-15-2018, 04:17 PM
Correct hardtop wrench for a '68
).
