Hard if not Impossible Parts to Find
 

I have had my 1968 Convertible L79 since I was 17 ( 54 now). I also have a 69 kind-of project. For me the hardest not-reproduced part to find were the original 68 ( e69) front plastic grilles. Took years. Curious as to what are some of your White Whales? Not necessarily the most expensive, just something that is not around. Stay safe, AJ

That's awesome that you've had the 68 for so long. As you know, '68 is a one year only kind of deal though for a bunch of parts, so I can understand why may have trouble sourcing parts for that one, but for the '69 and beyond, I don't see that. Even the L68 and L71 tri-carb intakes/carb assemblies are around if you are looking for them. I saw two sets on craigslist alone the past couple of weeks.

I have a '69 vert I am restoring, and I've had no troubles finding parts for the car (including an entire '69 replacement rolling chassis). IMO, any parts I've needed have been readily available whether original, NoS, repro parts, but I started with a complete nice driver quality original (except paint) car. Some parts are exorbitant, but they are available.

No real trouble, just curious as to what original parts are ghosts. My car, though now restored and pretty original, is no NCRS car. I like originality "for me".

Diverter valve that attaches to the smog pump.

Yes, those can be tough, and pricey. Which one?

For me was the recovery tank for the 73. It was special design for the 73 only. I had modified a replacement tank to fit on the fender and it took several years to find a replacement original one.

Donnie

I hear you. Swap meet find?

Interesting enough, I was able to source parts for my'68.. Luck of the draw.

It was my `69 that I had trouble, as you know there are nearly as many one year parts for early/late 69's as there were for '68.

For me it was finding the early wiper relay valve and early chrome trimmed grill that were' 68 carry over.

t-tops
lamented dark blue M series
:toetap::sad:

There is an early 68 diverter and a later one. I have some original early on smog pumps and NOS later diverters
I have a few 69 NOS L71 diverters too.
as for the 68 only grills I have some pieces for repairs but are the original 68 flimsy ones,

1970-1972 LT-1 fuel line support.

Spent ten years looking for a real one, got tired of trying to find one, so I modified the current reproduction… Came out really nice! You’d be hard pressed to tell it apart from a real one.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

You’re right, Stan. And yet, FAR tougher than that is the fuel line bracket for a 71 LS6.

Did you ever find an original LT-1 Stamp Rite?

avalonjohn,

I have a '69 350/350 so the diverter valve is a 29199 (stamped).
I used to restore smog systems many years ago, so I'm fortunate to have some NOS ones (nfs). Yes, they are pricey now.
The '68 diverter valve and smog pump are very different for the '68 vs. 69-73. I'm on a snowbird trip right now, so I can't give you the detailed numbers of the parts.

Mike, I would agree.

Never.

I learned that at least some big block rear sway bar brackets were stamped the same way… Go figure.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

Good stuff all. My 69 Coupe (L46) was purchased from the original owner who lucky for me never replaced much. The dash pad has a crack like San Adreas but the engine still retains the original smog stuff intact so I am good there. Real N14.

My 68? Put it this way. At 17 I felt no shame in butchering the 1 year gauge bezel for a cassette player (still had a Journey tape inserted when it went to resto).
Replacing that was a chore. Luckily my car is a May 68 build so for those who have earlier cars, here is another hard to find part; Early 68 only front bumper! ( still not as hard as those grilles though)!!!.

I have all the smog (not installed)for my 68 but the diverter, though really nice survivor, has a funny connection to the muffler. No clip. Just a post. Maybe early, it was hard to find as well.

68 A/C center bezel

Also like to hear from the mid to later C3 guys. My first intro to Corvettes was 1978. My Dad told me he was coming home with it that night from the dealer. For a brief moment I was the coolest kid on the block. Prior to that you owned the neighborhood if Dad had a Trans Am.
He came home without it and said they "last minute raised the price". I fell sharply and was immediately demoted.
Loved the 78 SA ever since. Any hard to find parts there? I may still try for one and drive it to him.

The rarer than hens teeth, 73 expansion tank. I see lots of used one that say they are OEM 73 tanks, but one look at the part number proves otherwise. I have my OEM tank that’s yellow, but has quarter size hole. I tried special plastic epoxy that didn’t last a day, it wouldn’t adhere to the old tank worth a sh_t. So I bought a 74 that is similar, but not exactly the same. I will keep looking, as Sonny & Cher once sang …the beat goes on.

On 68's, just about everything can be a challenge to find, starting with the early, first design, slightly smaller head light doors. There's the 69 windshield header chrome corner pieces, and the convertible top/t-top alignment pin strikers on the windshield frame. I think there are a couple variations of the header corners. Doors for the rear storage compartment without the holes for the lift loops that later years used, and the 68 only compartment door hinges with the attached springs (and there were two different styles of springs during 68). Early 68 front lower valance panel, without the three openings in it.

For other years, how about the first design 76 fan shroud that was only used through about October 75? There use to be a repro, but after it got to be about $1200, it was discontinued. Anyone seen the chrome and checkered flag "Limited Edition" emblem used on 78 Pace Car consoles lately, or the hood emblems for the 88 35th Anniversary Edition?