1968 Corvette Gills
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 502
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From: Omaha Nebraska
1968 Corvette Gills
Forgive me if this is the wrong section or it's been posted and asked before. (I'm sure it has).
I have a 1968 corvette that I'm working on and know full well of the general disclaimer. "Things changed throughout the build year what is true for early builds isn't necessarily true for late builds."
I've got a late build car. I'm wondering about the gills. I've seen some 68's with all for gills opened up. I've seen some 68's with the 4th gill closest to the door blocked out. I've got my car in to the body guy and I noticed on the passenger side the gill is blocked out and on the driver side it's open.
The guy who had it before me wasn't really doing a great job putting the car together right so it could be his doing. but before i tell the body guy what to do, i just wanted to know. For a later build car. 4th gill open on both sides or closed?
I have a 1968 corvette that I'm working on and know full well of the general disclaimer. "Things changed throughout the build year what is true for early builds isn't necessarily true for late builds."
I've got a late build car. I'm wondering about the gills. I've seen some 68's with all for gills opened up. I've seen some 68's with the 4th gill closest to the door blocked out. I've got my car in to the body guy and I noticed on the passenger side the gill is blocked out and on the driver side it's open.
The guy who had it before me wasn't really doing a great job putting the car together right so it could be his doing. but before i tell the body guy what to do, i just wanted to know. For a later build car. 4th gill open on both sides or closed?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '07
The rear gill is closed on all 68 and 69's. Behind it is the air plenum for the kick panel opening. Cutting it out would allow water to get directly into the car.
Most of the time, the last gill is painted black to resemble the openings of the other 3.
Most of the time, the last gill is painted black to resemble the openings of the other 3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
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From: Syracuse NY
I'll add that from the factory the rear gill was always blacked out. The ones that aren't (like mine) were just incorrect repaints. Mine will be done this summer!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Yep. The rears are fake and closed. You cannot open them without cutting into bonding areas behind them. If the driver's side is open and has not been cut, the bonding panel behind it has become loose or is missing. The assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows the panels behind the gill openings. If you need one, finding the left might be a PITA.
Have your body guy check to ensure the missing panel is not still on the car.
Have your body guy check to ensure the missing panel is not still on the car.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 12, 2013 at 01:03 PM.
