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68 and 69 differences

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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 09:45 PM
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Default 68 and 69 differences

Just wondering why most say 69's are worth a little more. They're 98% the same car and the 68 was the first year for the c3 so what makes the 69 worth more?

from what I see the 69 has stingray above the gills, pocket on passneger side dashboard....thats about it foor looks I could see.

looking at a 68 L36 427 bb 4sp vert and just doing some HW before I throw down the $ and find out it wasn't the right year to get.

thanks

Last edited by wildman378; Dec 8, 2004 at 10:34 PM.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 09:47 PM
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Some people might still be leery of their early problems and several one year specific parts. Thats my guess atleast
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:02 PM
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There are a few reasons why people go for the '69 over the '68:

- The '68 isn't a "Stingray" -- it is just a '68 Corvette. The Stingray name came in '69.

- The '68 uses a 327 engine, while the '69 uses the 350.

- The '69 is considered the last year for the highest performance Vettes: the two ZL1 cars alongside L88, L89 and L71 options. So it gets that same valuation bump as the '67 does over the '66.

And the aformentioned problem with reliability in the '68.


Honestly, I think it's all crap...I'd be just as happy with a '68 as a '69.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:03 PM
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Default this depends..

the parts for the 68 are always more than the 69, but it has to be a LATE 1969 for the parts prices to be significantly less.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:05 PM
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'68's have a lot on one year only parts...
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:14 PM
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Thanks for the input.

But not considered a stingray? I thought it was a stingray but just didn't have the emblem on the car until 69 and in 69 it also became string ray NOT stringray as one word. So i always thought the 68 was a stringray and the 69 was a string ray and that was the only diff.

so the 68 isn't even a stringray...never woulda thought that.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:31 PM
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69's have 2 benefits, being the last of the true 'performers'
and the first of sharing parts over the years.


I almost bought a 68 but couldnt figure out how to open the damn door
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:34 PM
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I dont think there is much to the stingray story other then an emblem. It isnt like it was a performance package or anything.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by wildman378
from what I see the 69 has stingray above the gills, pocket on passneger side dashboard....thats about it foor looks I could see.

thanks
1968...
Key on dash
7" Wheels
All Red tailights
Reverse lights below bumper
Smooth center cluster gauge bezel
Push Button door handles
E-Brake console has seat belt buckle pockets
One year radio *****
Unique steering wheel
One year door panels
Coupe coutesy lens
plus a hundred more that I'm too tired to list

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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by wildman378
...and in 69 it also became string ray NOT stringray as one word.
You've got 'em backwards. The midyear's spelled Sting Ray; the sharks with the word were spelled Stingray. The '68 was the bastard child that didn't have either designator.

I would love to have a '68, but I'll never have one until I can afford to work on it and keep it original as possible.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:53 PM
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I also understand that the 69 has more of a stiffened frame than the 68, but that didn't keep me from pulling the trigger when the right 68 came along.

If the car has been well taken care of, or modded as you'd like, don't let the year differences change your opinion of the car.

Good luck with it.

Regards,

Bryan
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 02:07 AM
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I have a 68, and I love all the unique one year only thingies.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 02:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
I also understand that the 69 has more of a stiffened frame than the 68, but that didn't keep me from pulling the trigger when the right 68 came along.


I love my 68


Last edited by Love My 72 and 77; Dec 9, 2004 at 02:23 AM.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 08:13 AM
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I wanted a 69 over a 68 because of the key on the column and the door handle differences. Those were big enough to make a difference.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 08:35 AM
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It was the chrome gills that got me. And, yes, I know you can buy 'em & put 'em on a '68.

JB
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 09:17 AM
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Also, no tilt steering wheel option in 68, compounded by a larger steering wheel. Being 6'5" this killed it for me. I generally try to avoid any car in the first yr of a new body style, ie wouldn't buy an 84 vette, 97 vette, 2005 vette either. Let em work the bugs out first.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 09:42 AM
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Lots of 1 year only parts:

Cats whiskers window seals
Windshield wiper mount assembly
Wiper door valve (none)
Can wiper door actuator and connector
Rear brake lines (top inlet on caliper)
Tach cable
Door latches and those trim rings
Seat latch location
Dash pad (ignition switch)
Gauge console
Vent *****
Fender louvers
Stingray badge (none)
Interior door panels
Left side exhaust manifold (alternator mount)
Reverse light switch
Backup light/rear valance
Wood steering wheel
Console belt pockets
Wheels
Side windows
Neutral lockout switch
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To 68 and 69 differences

Old Dec 9, 2004 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by wildman378
looking at a 68 L36 427 bb 4sp vert and just doing some HW before I throw down the $ and find out it wasn't the right year to get.

thanks
The one you like is the ~right~ one. Who care what anybody else thinks...unless it's an "investment". If that's the case, put your money in stocks and bonds. An old Corvette will bleed you dry.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 02:35 PM
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Don't forget the 1 year only 68 corvette brake light switch!

Owning a 68 corvette is a test of your self esteem. You have to be able to handle all the corvette "experts" that will tell you how crappy the 68 model was.
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 02:42 PM
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Other than the ignition location, my '68 favorite is the crossed flags on the lower console.
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