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Me and my vife bought a -69 convertible last year. The car has 2 major issues, 350 engine instead of original 427 L36 and the front is replaced with a non chrome bumper front.
My plan is to build back to original spec, 427 and -69 front.
The 427 L36 is already in my hands and I plan to do the job in 2 steps, first engine swap and then front swap. The goal is to limit the amount of work in each step and keep the Vette running every summer.
I believe that the 427 L36 will not fit under the present hood and I need to replace the hood together with the engine in step 1. The year of the front and hood is unknown, the PO said it was from -73 but I don't know.
Question: Is my front and hood from -73 and if not from what year?
Thanks in advance.
73 to 76 cowl induction hood. Are you going back to 72 short hood and wiper door? If so, the current one is a common 200 buck hood. If it grows a big light leak in the middle with a stinger or L88 add-on scoop on top it aint such an issue. Now, you need bumpers, brackets and a nose. Or alterations to your existing nose. I found an aftermarket used but never installed 70-72 nose for 600 bucks. No, not for sale. But they are out there and you have a while to shop. Scaring up bumpers is another project that extra time helps.
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 29, 2018 at 05:42 PM.
Well the front bumper on there now has seam molded right into there clip. Usually separate. You can sell your current front clip provided you get it off in on piece. Also the inner fenders unless the new clip comes with inner fenders.
Rvzio
Afteer thinking about this I wonder how or what the front supports are like meaning a chrome bumper car has frame extensions and a 74 would have the round tube to support the nose. Wonder whats under there and how it was modified. Unless the entire car is on a 74 frame. Then you would either need another frame or modify the 74 one to except the needed hardware to make it a correct 69. Should be interesting to see. Many things ti align, check, door gaps, bumper fit, hood, wiper door. etc. We have it all here if you need help when the time comes.
From the looks of it they back-date pretty easy. You just changed out a front crossmember recently? Looks like the 68-72 crossmember replaces the air tank behind the battering ram.
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 30, 2018 at 04:26 PM.
Thanks for reply.
Good to have confirmation that I have a 73/74 front clip and good.
I plan to buy and use the same long L88 hood with the present 73 front clip and future -69 front. Will that work?
The frame number on the deivers side window post tells it is a -69. The rear bumper is also a chrome one. Rear axle code is AU, from -69. I seriously doubt that is is a -74, but ones should newer say newer.
I'x post pictures from underneath later on.
Thanks again / Björn
Björn, the long hood should fit in place of your current hood and would save some effort in trying to recreate the wiper door and all its functionality. Particularly since it appears your fenders are from '73 and later.
The numbers on the current 350 engine might reveal some information about the car as well if you post them. If nothing else, it will tell you more about the engine if you do decide to sell it.
This is what an early 70's 350 stamp pad should look like...
Hi Björn,
i´m restoring a 69 and the car is in parts. I can send send you some pictures as reference if you want or send a PM if you want to take a look at it IRL.
Håkan
Here is a 73 nose (orig nose) with 72 style bumper and some decent fabbing of grille mounting.if you look under your nose, i betcha you find the bumper and nose and the flange where they are bolted together. This is a craigslist ad, so save the pics cuz the ad wont be there long. Lowest cost and probably least work method of chrome front conversion. And you can always do a whole nose later to get it right. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-bumper.html
Hi Björn,
i´m restoring a 69 and the car is in parts. I can send send you some pictures as reference if you want or send a PM if you want to take a look at it IRL.
Håkan
Hej Håkan
Var håller du hus?
Jag bor i Ludvika
MVH Björn
Björn, the long hood should fit in place of your current hood and would save some effort in trying to recreate the wiper door and all its functionality. Particularly since it appears your fenders are from '73 and later.
The numbers on the current 350 engine might reveal some information about the car as well if you post them. If nothing else, it will tell you more about the engine if you do decide to sell it.
This is what an early 70's 350 stamp pad should look like...
Good luck... GUSTO
Hi Gusto
My present engine has suffix NH, a 300 hp passenger car from 1969. Not original engine.
Here is a 73 nose (orig nose) with 72 style bumper and some decent fabbing of grille mounting.if you look under your nose, i betcha you find the bumper and nose and the flange where they are bolted together. This is a craigslist ad, so save the pics cuz the ad wont be there long. Lowest cost and probably least work method of chrome front conversion. And you can always do a whole nose later to get it right. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-bumper.html
Hi
I took a look at the ad and I don't think I'll follow that track. If possible I'll rebuild the present clip to visually look like -69 or more likely replace the entire clip to an aftermarket one piece clip.
-69 engine and front swap.
