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How many know that until they came up with the rod fix, 68's had a special "L" bracket welded to the 68 only front bumper and there was a separate "L" bracket that connected to the nose fiberglass metal that the rod bolts to. Lou.
I don’t doubt what @loup68 says about the brackets but you need to start with everything loosely, repeat loosely, installed as this is a big jigsaw puzzle to get everything properly aligned first, then slowly progressing through tightening everything up while carefully observing that no stress is induced. Never, ever, tighten any bolt until ALL bolts are installed.
I noticed that you have the “twist” brackets that connect the lower front metal reinforcement to the main bumper attachment holes so that’s good as they are an important part of the assembly. They are often missing as they are a PITA to fit in. Do you have the center support rod?
Getting everything to line up is proving very tricky!
Waiting in a new frame extension gasket to come in before we mess with it further.
The puzzle pieces are NOT lining up as pictured in the AiM. 😕
I can't see that the front bumper has the welded on metal piece that the horse collar bolts to like in the above A.I.M. diagram. I do not see how the forward end of the rod would bolt up there. I made a rod for mine years ago and it fit, but I did not have your "L" bracket in the way. Lou.
I can't see that the front bumper has the welded on metal piece that the horse collar bolts to like in the above A.I.M. diagram. I do not see how the forward end of the rod would bolt up there. I made a rod for mine years ago and it fit, but I did not have your "L" bracket in the way. Lou.
DUB made modification (I believe) and we aren’t sure how to complete the front end frame extensions etc.
Maybe this video will provide some clarification because we cannot determine why things aren’t lining up.
c1nicole
Ok. I'll go get a picture of the rod. Mine goes from below the rad to the header bar. I'm pretty sure it is "mostly" (iffily ) correct. Mine does NOT bolt in below the Rad-A/C condenser....just inserts into the hole in the support assembly.
UPC11-13 / A5, see post #20 above, shows the rod but it's a totally crappy AIM drawing..... makes it look more horizontal than vertical....gimme a few.....
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 31, 2024 at 05:37 PM.
c1nicole
Ok. I'll go get a picture of the rod. Mine goes from below the rad to the header bar. I'm pretty sure it is "mostly" correct. Mine does NOT bolt in below the Rad-A/C condenser....just inserts into the hole in the support assembly.
UPC11-13 / A5, see post #20 above, shows the rod but it's a totally crappy AIM drawing..... makes it look more horizontal than vertical....gimme a few.....
You have the original 68 setup. I have a new hood surround so I can't look at mine to compare it to yours.You have two bolts holding that bracket on to the nose. There is usually only an elongated slot where the center is between the two bolts.
If you want the later rod, you need to remove the original "L" bracket going to the center brace. You would have to carefully drill a hole in the exact center of the metal fiberglass reinforcement between the two bolt holes.
The chrome bumper bolts to the center brace through the two rectangular holes in your picture. And it may need the special shims that they sell for this.
I feel that your lower brackets do not fit because the whole front end must come up a little. if it does not move than you would have to shim under the brackets to fit. Your vertical bumper guards bolt to those brackets. Lou.
This is from the AIM. Your concern started with item#18 but you will also need item #17, plus some shims (item #25) and all related nuts, bolts and washers.
This is not a simple “bolt it all back in” exercise - the entire front hood/surround fair depends on how the surround is supported by all this bracketry. Also, if not properly positioned, you will put stress on the fiberglass, potentially resulting in cracks.
and I've come to the conclusion that my 68 "may" have the incorrect rod and that it may be installed inappropriately.... this looks like the rod on mine: 3974016 https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/1968...-123526-1.html
Be very careful with the end bolts on the bumper. If for some reason it is not fitting well, do not try to pull the bumper in with the bolts. The fiberglass will crack.
) correct. Mine does NOT bolt in below the Rad-A/C condenser....just inserts into the hole in the support assembly.
