ylose

I think he means it's custom blended into the vette, but otherwise a common aftermarket (I assume) part for early '70s camaro, etc.

stavanger

Found this on the forum!

There were, indeed, 2 different "sets" of fender flares. The first "set", used for 1969, were as follows:

GM #3958681-----lh, frt
GM #3958682----rh, frt
GM #3958683----lh, rear
GM #3958684----rh, rear

In PRODUCTION, the SET of the above-referenced parts was known as GM #3976521, but the SET was never available in SERVICE. It was supplied loose in the rear compartment of 1969 Corvettes. The "triggering" option for these to be supplied with a car was NOT L-88 or ZL-1. It was J-56 brakes. Of course, for 1969, J-56 brakes were mandatory with and only available with the L-88 or ZL-1. So, either L-88 or ZL-1 got this set of fender flares and no other cars got them. They were available individually in SERVICE, though.

The second set of fender flares came along a bit later, probably 1970 but, perhaps, 1971. I THINK that these may have been destined for use on the still-born 1970 LS-7 and, when that was cancelled for PRODUCTION, the flares were already "in the pipeline" and were made available for SERVICE. As far as I know, these were never supplied in PRODUCTION with any car. However, I'm still researching this one. It's POSSIBLE that 70-72 ZR-1 or 71 ZR-2 MAY have had them. I don't think so, but it's possible. In any event, these flares were available individually in SERVICE as follows:

GM #3965781----lh, frt
GM #3965782----rh, frt
GM #3965777----lh, rear
GM #3965778----rh, rear

I do not know how these differed from the 69 style, but I strongly suspect the difference is as you described. Also, ALL of the above parts are long-since GM -discontinued.


[Modified by Joe Lucia, 4:40 PM 8/30/2001]

TheSaint

I know this is a old thread but

When saying grafted a flare on to a quarterpanel do you mean that the flares was glued on to to the quarterpanel?
Or saying a little different, put the flare on top on the outside of the quarterpanel?

TimAT

The original GM flares had a tab that let them hang off the body. To install them, hang the flare from the tab, mark around the inside with a marker, remove the flare, cut the factory wheel lip off, them mount the flare and bond it on. That's a short version, but the way GM said to do it.

yellow-fever

Would 285/40/18 tires on 18 x 9.5 rims with 4.4" BS be big enough to fill some L88 flares?

TheSkunkWorks

In many cases you can put 285/40R18's inside the stock C3 rear fenders on 18x9.5" rims w/5-5.5" BS. FWIW, there are even a few who have stuffed 295's into them with a little frame work. With the added width of flares I'd really be thinking about some 315/35R18's out back. Up front, you don't gain as much width with the flares, and how wide you can go depends a lot on how much BS you want to try and run.

yellow-fever

Though I know every car is different, if you could choose your backspacing between 5, 5.25, and 5.5 with this combo, what would you choose?

3JsVette

With what TSW said.
I'll go a little further. Direct answer to your question. NO unless you add some thick "adapters". If you are going to fit 18s under L88 flares consider 18x12s with 5" of backspace and the most common size tire is a 335/30-18. Before you install the flares buy the wheel and tire package of your choise and fit the flares to the tire in order to get "the look" that suits your taste. Some people like the tire at the edge of the flare others like the tire a little more tucked in under the flare. Do a search using "flares" and "flairs". There is enough reading to make your head spin.

richiev88

WOW, the chrome bumper car has the perfect look!!!, do you have more pics, rim tire size ect?

TheSkunkWorks

9.5" w/5.5" BS seems the most common setup, tho I might give 5.25" a hard look.

3JsVette

Here's a couple of pictures and a little more info.
http://www.lateral-g.net/members/yoshino/

richiev88

Thanks,
Is it your car ?

3JsVette

No......but been working on something some what similar for the last couple of years that is nearing the home stretch.

richiev88

That would be great to see

69autoXr

Definitely not. I run 17x11's (3-7/8" backspace) with 315's and L88 flares and it doesn't fill the flare completely. Though I will say that with the amount of negative camber I have in the back makes it a little deceiving; a little less camber would make it look more filled up. There's pictures in my album and my garage to give you some idea.

12" wheels and 335's will do the trick. And I'd give serious consideration to less than 5" backspacing on the 12's (4.5-4.75)

TheSaint

Just spent a couple of hours reading about L88 flares and it looks like 355 tires at the rear is a perfect fit

It did not say if was using stock trailing arms

Hadez

345/30/19's on a 18x12 with 5.0" BS work also but will fit really TIGHT for clearances on all angle. The 345/30/19 tire is 27.2" vs. 25.8" tall and that extra diameter takes up a lot of room.

Grumpy 427

That is a 12 wheel with what tire size and BS.

TheSaint

I would love to have a C3 with 345/30/17 tires

But i really think that 18(at the most)or for sure 19 is way to big rims for a old car like a C3. Those big wheels looks very much like they do not belong on a C3.

Just my opinion

sinister kustoms

Does anyone still have the tutorials? Getting ready to install a set - links don't work and would appreciate some tips.