Trying to make the old girl close to original, so I noticed it had no center grille. So a few bucks later, I purchase the grille. Opps, no brackets. They are expensive and rare. Finally score the brackets on ebay. Get them today, put them on and the grille appears to sit several inches under the bumper than the right and left grille. Can anyone confirm that this is correct? Maybe for clearance where you can still hang the license plate? I was expecting the center grille to be flush with the right and left. Looks kind of weird sitting farther back. (Confused in Seattle! Getting plenty of sleep!)
Mark - 1968 Coupe

|UPDATED|7/18/2003 5:43:22 PM|/UPDATED|

It does sit farther back. You are right about the license plate. At least this is how it is on my 70. If you look at my pic it looks like I do not have a center grille. It is there it is just back farther.

|UPDATED|7/18/2003 6:51:37 PM|/UPDATED|

Yes you are correct, its set back for the front licenes plate bracket.

When I did the restore on mine I did not order the bracket, but instead made some spacers to bring the center section out so it was the same as the sides, I think you maybe able to see it in the signature. Of course its one of the only things I have been stopped for,he let me slide, I think he just wanted to get a close look, and the other was noise, sorry officer thats factory exhaust, Really he said? Yup as I smiled , well the just take it easy , of course


Dave
Mr69vett

Thanks guys! I feel better now. You both have nice looking wheels there! Of course, I'm quite fond of the front bumper C3's.

Mark

Same on my '70. Saw another '70 in the MN Caravan and talked with the owner while we were waiting our turn to get on the track at 'Indy'. He also opted not to put the license plate back on and moved the center grill forward to be flush with the side grills. He was running a big block so welcomed the extra air flow.

I know that MN requires front and back plates so I asked him if he's ever been hassled about not having one up front. He told me that in MN any vehicle more than 20 years old doesn't need to display a front plate. That was news to me, will have to check into that.

I need the extra air flow for the big block also. Not as hot here as you get in the midwest. I grew up in NW Iowa (folks live in Okoboji) and always enjoyed the lake in the summer. I don't want to put the fron plate on either, as the temp. gauge really goes up with it on. Not sure if I'll move the grille forward yet, but will take a look at it.

Would like to go to the Black Hills Corvette Classic that starts in Sioux Falls and then moves west, but afraid of the heat in July. Ever go to that? Is it worth it, etc? I remember driving back to the Seattle area a couple of years ago and met about 1000 Vetts (at least it looked like 1000) driving east coming back from it. Pretty sight.

Mark

Hey Mark,

I've never been to the Black Hills Classic, but I understand it is quite an event. I worked in Rapid City for awhile many years ago and it is a really beautiful part of the country. And yes, it can get REALLY HOT out there in July/August.
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Jim O.
Save the Wave...!!!

Well, then just maybe we can have a little get together of the midwestern C3 Vette owners. I'd probably be willing to drag the old girl out for a trip. Will trailer it most of the way. I'd die of heat exhaustion if I drove it all the way. It sounds like its a pretty big vette fest! My family is still in NW Iowa, so I'd probably go visit them as well. Keep it in mind!

Mark

I can't get there this year (blew my vacation budget on the BG trip), will have to add it to the list of places to think about for next year. Any you're right, a more western venue would be a good thing C3VR-ers.
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Jim O.
Save the Wave...!!!

Its already over for this year. It was held July 16th through 19th. Will shoot for next year. Will start talking about it in the spring.

Mark