When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
How would it look more original? I don't know what it should exactly look like. It was my dad's car and he passed early, at 64 and I didn't ask the best questions.
Yes, just really quickly in your small photos we can all see the upgraded hood and side pipes .
Paint looks really nice. Original paint you think would look this good?
of course not, I know the paint isn't original, but didn't know that was one of the things that needed to be original. Clear coat is great. Which hood is orignal? you say go for it and which transmission do you recommend? I love Aussies and want your views...
The original ‘68 big block hoods didn’t have as large of a bulge in the center, and some small chrome accents. That appears to be an L88 style hood that allows for a taller intake manifold or air cleaner, a performance upgrade in my eyes.
BTW if you click “quote” on a post it will show up next to your response. It makes it easier for people to know who you’re talking to.
Last edited by Piersonpie; Dec 21, 2024 at 10:49 PM.
See this? This is a Beautiful Car! Who cares if it's all original or not? OK, yes I know some people do.
look at the photos of my Red car above. Not very original! And that's totally OK with me. I've had people tell me all the things they don't like, or what they would have to change. That's OK. It's not them!
First things first. You have your Father's car. That's really special. Please cherish it always.
Me, because it is your Father's car I would try to keep the basic look the same as Dad had it. Not be at all concerned with originality. Sure, maybe change a few things for your enjoyment. Like a nicer stereo for instance, or this transmission upgrade.
You have been given details above on how to contact SST. Let them help you with a transmission that will work well with the rear end gear you already have. If your car is a factory auto car it likely has a 3.08 rear gear. Lots of things for you to get to know.
There isn't one best transmission that is perfect for everyone and every car.
I assumed the hood was original...this came from Sioux Falls, SD. It was never driven in cold weather so there is no rust. Any information you can share that I don't already know? What would yoy do for a manual transmisson?
of course not, I know the paint isn't original, but didn't know that was one of the things that needed to be original. Clear coat is great....
And did you know, back in 68 they didn't have clear coat?
I had a shop spray clear on my front clip awhile ago! I went absolutely ape **** . Had to get it all sanded off. Didn't match the rest of the car! So, if your clear looks great. Well, that's not original. Not even original type.
My car, aftermarket hood, aftermarket side skirts, spoiler, etc. But no clear.
Yeah, I know that, i just didn't know what was technically original? Clear coat doesn't seem to be one of those things.
Yes the original thing can be problematic. Different people have different expectations. But to be all original. Factory paint, no matter how battered, is a big deal. It's only original once. Then matching numbers. A lot of miss use with that one! Like my car as a stupid example. My engine block has matching numbers. As does my transmission. However, other than the block, the crank, rods and starter motor. Nothing else is original. The numbers matching guys have kittens if the numbers on the alternator are not correct! I still have the same type of alternator. It still looks original to most people, ((other than I have a red case). But it isn't date coded correct!
You can really go crazy with this original stuff. Do yourself a favour. DON'T.
Enjoy your dad's car. Stay with the " I like that it looks original to most people " mantra. But don't worry about things. Enjoy the car!
I just had mine out, .. beautiful summer day here and took mine out for a spin through the Hinterland. Winding, twisting roads up and down through very scenic hilly terrain. Shifting gears going into and out of each turn. Absolutely a fun car to drive that always turns heads!
Some of it is original. Mostly. It's my car. We grew old together, I can only hope one day my son will cherish it as well.
If you want a period correct 4 speed you have two choices.
-overpay someone for a used one from that time period with the correct date codes, etc, and then probably rebuild it.
-call Auto Gear and have them build you a new one with the latest upgraded parts and you get to pick your gear ratios. Only you will know the difference. That's what I am doing, having them build me their custom M23.
IMHO a 5 or 6 speed upgrade is of no value other than it sounds cool to talk about it.
Expect to spend several thousand either way if DIY.....paying a shop and buying all the related parts will run $10K + as in both cases you'll need a bell housing, clutch assy, shifter, linkages, etc, etc.
I'd keep the L88 hood and sell the sidepipes on the forum. Sidepipes are noisy, annoying, hot and the bends in the exhaust pipes to make them work cost you 40-50 HP. But it's not my car, it's yours, so......
Last edited by Nikolai122; Dec 22, 2024 at 06:32 AM.
To add, those wheels are not original either. The were never that wide on 68's, but also a very popular change many people make, and if you like them, they do look just like the originals, just wider. I believe 68's were 15x7, where 69 on they were 15x8. Back to the trans, I'd also throw a vote in for an SST TKX 5 speed if you have the funds. I just put one in my 79 and I love it. I will add that people may suggest you upgrade to a hydraulic clutch, and I would say there's no need. The McCleod clutch kit they supply is every bit as light pedal pressure as a hydraulic clutch. Also I am very impressed with the supplied shifter. I tell everyone, that thing is slick! Yours being an automatic will make the installation of the actual transmission easier, because your transmission crossmember is removeable. On manual transmission cars, they are not removable (although many people cut them and make them removeable.) You mention having someone do the installation for you, so for that I'd ask SST for the name of a recommended shop nearest to you. Good luck with whatever your decide, and as others have said, sorry to hear of your dad passing, mind did recently too, but he left you a SWEET car! I love it!
Do we have Corvette's? Yes, that is kinda why we are here.
My old girl.
350, 4 on the floor.
She's my Baby.
.
As to finding help with working on your baby.
Best advice, join your local Corvette club. If there are several in your area, find out which group has more of the older cars. Join a club. Get to know the old guys that work on cars. Ask others where they get work done in your area. Also just asking others at car shows and Cars and Coffee events.
Nice looking car! Thanks for the great advice, I'm going to look into that and see what I can find out.
it’s the 390 HP Turbo Jet. What other types of 427s did that car come with? I know the 435 HP but isn’t that the 6 pack?
For '68, the 427 was available in single carb 390 hp, "tri-power" (six-pack is more commonly a Chrysler/Mopar term) in 400 hp and 435 hp, and 500+hp as the single carb L-88. The 390 and 400 are identical engines with different carb setups; the 390 is an awesome engine.
IHMO I would definitely be shooting for the overdrive transmission rather than the 4 speed. If you haven’t driven it on the freeway already, the side pipes do get very loud at sustained higher RPMs. Not that fuel economy is a primary concern with a big block, but the improvement with it is substantial as well.
