naladb

Oct 67 built car, L71. Did this car use baffel (metal shield mounts under front stablizer bar brackets) ? Raditor support, does it only have hooks with rubber inserts on the bottom to support raditor or are the small block supports there too, just not used ? I know expansion tank was not used on this car but was the bracket still mounted on the fender well, just not used. Any help is welcome, thanks.

WESCH

Hi

I have a Oct 05, 67 build BB vert as well.

Pictures of what you mean would help me, but here what I recall is on mine.

Radiator lower mounts are hook type with rubber inserts.
No expansion tank brackets on the fender.

I do not understand what you mean with the stabilizer brackets.

I want to point out that what I wrote is what my car has. Does not mean it's necessarily original.

Rgds. Günther

vettesbydesign

I don't know what you mean by the shields,either.Please post pictures.
The radiator support shouldn't have the SB style mounts at the bottom.Also,the support will have the "X" bracing for all 68 BB radiator supports.I have seen people try to disguise a SB support w/the bracing on some mid-year supports tho.

R1234

I think he is talking about the lower radiator baffle that attaches to the metal fan shroud and the frame extensions. My #04888 small block has the baffle.

Ironcross

Both of these replys are correct for 1968 L-71 BB cars. No need to have any SB parts on a BB car. It could be the other way around however where a BB was transplanted into a SB car and some of the SB brackets was left on the car by someone thinking the brackets were universal and applying to both engines.

PS, the radiator shroud is plastic and not steel for L71`s

AWilson

I have a 10/4/67 build date on my 68. It is a SB but yes it does have the lower splash shield that fits between the front stabilizer bracket and the frame.

It sure seemed original to the car. You can see it sitting on the floor:



Here is a current picture of things:

Alan 71

Hi AW,
Well, that clears up the question of the 'baffles'. I remember we talked about these a few months ago. I didn't know they even existed. It sure has an intricate shape! Thanks for taking the time to post your pictures.
Your frame looks good, what a big difference.
Merry Christmas.
Regards,
Alan

WESCH

Hi

Ok , this baffle plate is on my car as well.

PS, the radiator shroud is plastic and not steel for L71`s

Hmm, my shroud is steel , attached to the baffle plate with 2 ears and center top radiator area.

I never heard of this distinguishing feature of BB versus SB, I mean this shroud being out of plastic ?

Rgds. Günther

Alan 71

Hi Gunther,
I believe I've read that very early 68 cars with a 427, had a copper radiator with a metal shroud and thus the baffle.
Regards,
Alan

Ironcross

Some did Al, but the 427`s in 68 and 69 are actually one piece fiberglass and yes the radiator is copper on those engines for better cooling. I just use the word plastic because I often refer to the Vettes as 'plastic' cars. 1970`s with 454`s are metal though. I think certian 1970-74 SB`s with air use the same shroud as 68-69 427`s....

WESCH

Hi

Strange.
I have the X-bracing in the radiator support for BB Vettes, but have the steel cooling shroud of a SB ?

Very strange.

I also had a 390 HP March build 68 BB with the same steel shroud.

I am very curios to hear what other 68 BB owners have there.

Rgds. Günther

AWilson

I'm almost positive that my 68 steel SB shroud has the cross bracing. I also have the original aluminum radiator.

naladb

First thanks for all the information every one has given over the past few days. I think some information from me may help. This is my first C3 NCRS restoration. I have done 3 top flight C2's,two being 63's, so I know how challanging first year body styles can be. This particular car has all matching number frame and drive train and is a L71 with F41. The bad part was the body was highly customized, so I found a 68 doner body. I know the fan shroud is fiber glass and the radiator is copper, they were present on orginal car.The radiator support does not look correct. The doner car had the baffle but it is a SB and the baffle does appear in the assembly manual. Did the BB have the baffle. I will post some pictures soon to help with the answers.