I have been looking for a convertable as a home for an engine I have. I have seen several 68 that I might could afford but I was thinking I read somewhere that due to them being the first year of a major style change they had some techinal problems. Does anyone know what these were or if they were of any signifagance. Thanks

 

I don't know of any tech issues but I do know some of the parts a one year only.

 

I wouldn't worry about the technical issues. The cars are 40 years old by now, and are likely to need work by now anyway if they have not had a frame-off yet. Just be sure to check for rust in the usual places.
Numerous 68-only parts, but any of these parts I have needed I have been able to find on Ebay, Vette-only salvage yards, Vette parts shops etc.

 

Thanks

 

Hi



A car that survived 40 years can not have had any technical issues.

Günther

 

You can just about get everything needed for a 68, but a few things. Since your not making an NCRS car you can retrofit other parts as functional replacements.

 

No real technical problems on '68s. The base engine in '68 was a 327...350's didn't come out until '69. Many parts on the '68 are "one year only" and are difficult to find and/or expensive. If you aren't set on a '68, I'd recommend that you choose a '69-'72 for your car (assuming that you want a chrome bumper car).

 

Some odd and small parts are even early 68', late '68 and still different from '69

 

there was a tv show on a while back that listed all the defects.. most of which where things like doors jambs, various spacing through the car.. nothing major, it just wasnt built "as well" as those that followed it

 

I had a 68 427 390HP convertible
The items were refined on later cars they weren’t defects.
Here is a list of some of the items you may be referring to:
1. Exterior door handles thumb button is difficult to push...you will be getting the door for the ladies for sure.
2. Window tracks are not as precise as the newer cars
3. No map pouch on the pass side.
4. No door pulls to close the door from the inside, just a ledge to grip.
I'm sure there is more but it was 30 years ago and I only owned it for 4 months. Was a great car and everything worked nice just had some looseness and rattles.

 

Early cars also had to go back and have vents cut in the front valance due to overheating.

Also dash lacked proper support and rear frame was void of kickouts. Other than that the 69 is close to the same.

Mine is pretty tight all the way around. It's a lot better built than the 78I owned. Tons of rattles and cheap plastic parts.

 

From what I have read, the '68 moddel year was the first year that GM corporate treated the corvette like any other production auto, and things like tollerances, fit, and finish suffered. The out cry for owners of the '68 corvettes prompted improvements for the '69 and later model years. Bottom line though, if the car has made it 40 years, you are not likely to notice the differences. Chances are if the car has had a frame off resto, any such problems have been addressed. If not, they should be apparent and fixed if the vehicle gets a frame off resto after you purchase one. Happy hunting and good luck!

Kelly

 

68's are unique and awesome!

1st C3 model
only C3 to have ignition in dash
only C3 to have unique push button door lock
only C3 to have 327 ci small block (rev harder than 350's )
very similar to '69, with same 4 slot shark gills in fender
but Stingray name was omitted for 1968... unique!
Same big block engine and trans options as '69 (inc L88)

Yes, it has been documented that quality control was an issue with the release of the new C3, but those issues have most likely been dealt with, or if you have a true survivor, are easy to rectify during a refurbishment. No negative points in reality.

Yes there are also one off parts.. especially the centre gauge cluster and A/C controls and vents (if installed). Not to mention the "jam" tin vacuum actuator for the wiper door. If NCRS judging is NOT in your plans, then it is a non issue. 69 components fit and are a cheaper functional alternative and available. But if you can source the correct parts, it adds value to what I believe will eventualy be the most sought after C3 model in years to come.....
If you are going to do some engine mods as indicated, then absolute correctness obviously isn't an issue. I believe in building them up to satisfy your needs and desires.... not to satisfy some pedantic judge who finds criticism in lack of overspray behind a water pump!

(but of course, I have no bias at all..... )

 

I used a '68 in my book. The only issues were the one-year-only parts but since I didn't want an NCRS car it was really a non-issue.

There are days when I sort of would like that car back. Both the car and the engine in the book have long since disappeared. The engine was sold to a retired fireman in Ohio and the car went to upstate PA.

Richard Newton

How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982

 

I believe Zora was asked to jump back in after a couple of months into the 68's production to get the quality issues straightened out. The 68's improved quality wise as the year progressed.
Bryan

 

I've owned Corvettes from each generation and consider my 68 my favorite. If you get a good one that's been properly restored they are great cars to drive.