68 vs 69 Steering column
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
yes 68 vrs steering column
double checked, the electrical connector was different on 68 too plus the 68 could start in gear and so did not have the "only neutral start" lever that connected via cable to the transmission.
68 column is collapsable or a shaft in a hollow sleeve shaft
And finally only tele option for 68 not tele/tilt like 69+ option.
Last edited by 20mercury; Jan 22, 2022 at 03:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 240
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From: Pittsburgh, Pa. da 'burg
As I understand, they are quite different, as are many items/things on the '68, since they were the first C3's rolling down the assembly line. Don't remember, is the '68 column collapsable?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
Well, in the future, I plan on getting a new T/T column from Ididit or some other and the 68 Ididit is much cheaper than the 69. I was also planning on putting a push button start in the dash so I figured a 68 without the ignition switch would save me a few dollars.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,757
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
The 1968 Corvette was a amazing car when it came out and it turned the world on its end. Then the 1969 Corvette was made with 1/2 the width door, and hood gaps we have in our 1968. Ever since they made the 1969 Corvette a lot of people relegated the 1968 to the recycle piles. I learned this painfully watching the response of Corvette owners when you mention a 1968.
It doesn't have to say "Stingray" written anywhere it just has a simple" C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E on the rear, 2- 427 numbers and the front and gas door emblems. Chrome Bumpers but very little chrome on the body. The emissions are virtually nil as it was an air pump and a PCV. Mine had several major components under the hood that were of the 1967 Vintage like the radiator shroud and other front end parts. It even has working Fiber Optics still 55 years later and the best part is it is a Corvette!
Personally, I love my 1968 Corvette because of it's uniqueness and overall clean lines. It is even better since it is an original BB Corvette with a four speed convertible and a hard top. I have had it for 30+ years and it is part of my family.
As far as my very early model 1968 I don't think the steering column is collapsible. It is stake through the heart waiting for a foolish driver. All I have seen were solid columns when I installed my Power Rack and Pinion system.
It doesn't have to say "Stingray" written anywhere it just has a simple" C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E on the rear, 2- 427 numbers and the front and gas door emblems. Chrome Bumpers but very little chrome on the body. The emissions are virtually nil as it was an air pump and a PCV. Mine had several major components under the hood that were of the 1967 Vintage like the radiator shroud and other front end parts. It even has working Fiber Optics still 55 years later and the best part is it is a Corvette!
Personally, I love my 1968 Corvette because of it's uniqueness and overall clean lines. It is even better since it is an original BB Corvette with a four speed convertible and a hard top. I have had it for 30+ years and it is part of my family.
As far as my very early model 1968 I don't think the steering column is collapsible. It is stake through the heart waiting for a foolish driver. All I have seen were solid columns when I installed my Power Rack and Pinion system.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 44
Likes: 6
From: Southern California CA
The 68 lower column bearing is the same as the 67 and different from 69. I believe that persisted throughout the 68 model year. Not sure if that is relevant to what decision you're making but thought I would mention it.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
THe 68 splines are differnet than 69 and later as well. MIght be the same as 67. Lots of the front end parts are 67 hold overs. I asked about this when I iorst got my 68 and was told of all the hassles. Never thought twice about it since. BUt I havve found someone that converts a 68 to tilt. Its really exoensive but may be worth it as I dont like my IDIDIT column
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,757
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
What happened to your IDIDIT Column? I was thinking of that as a potential for my 1968.
Any knowledge on the electric power steering systems that can be converted easily.
I have a 427 with headers but am thinking about switching back to the factory cast-iron exhaust manifolds to make more room on left side. Might have problems with Clutch parts in the way for an Electric power steering system.
What about having the factory cast iron exhaust manifolds ceramic coated inside and out? Good idea bad idea?
Any knowledge on the electric power steering systems that can be converted easily.
I have a 427 with headers but am thinking about switching back to the factory cast-iron exhaust manifolds to make more room on left side. Might have problems with Clutch parts in the way for an Electric power steering system.
What about having the factory cast iron exhaust manifolds ceramic coated inside and out? Good idea bad idea?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
To get to the meat of the topic.. I was hoping to save a few dollars and get a 68 Ididit column $876.00 instead of a 69 to 76 column $1,342.00 being that I want to install a keyless ignition anyway. I guess the best thing to do is contact them directly.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,348
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
it doesnt tilt up enough for me. I may swap it in the spring, if I do you'll find it in the for sale section