What's a definitive way of telling if the frame, motor are really a 68?

 

Are there map pockets on the passenger side dash? None on 68s. Still a chrome bumper? If not, look underneath for "bubba" style mounting. Ignition switch on the dash? Last year before they were moved to the column. Back window still removeable?

 

There's a VIN on the frame, driver side rear wheel well, but on the TOP of the frame, I believe towards the front. Probably impossible to see if there's any surface rust.

 

Do you have the ebay link so we can get a look at it?

 

A '68 should some have some of the following '68 only items :

 

VIN = 194678s4######

 

1 = Chevy

94 = Corvette

67 /37 = Convertible / Coupe

8 = 1968

s = St. Louis Assembly Plant

4 = ?? I forget

##### = sequential assembly #

 

As for 68 only production items:

 

>Ignition switch on dash

>Push button exterior door release buttons

>Seperate back-up lights on rear valance, all tail lights are red

>Last year of the 327 engine (oil fill neck on intake, not valve covers)

>External voltage regulator

 

 

 

>Lack of "Stingray" on front fenders

>Last year of the 3-speed manual tranny

>NO engine data plate on console trim plate (crossed flags only)

>No map pockets on right dash

>Last year headrests & Lap belts were optional

>Smooth finish on console plate & Center gauge panel

 

 

There are more, but the top 3 are the most obvious and hard to change of the '68 only items.  The ID on the frame is practically impossible to see with the body on the car.

 

I have seen a lot of '68's on E-Bay that have been rebodied to look like an 80-82 & the like. 

 

What is stamped on the engine pad?

 

Is there a VIN on the engine or trans?

 

 

Good luck,

 

Anthony

I would go with the VIN and the title unless you have reason to feel this is an extensive wreck rebuild.

Doors have been swapped by a previous owner.

Why do you say the body is not '68? Ten has a pretty good list of '68 stuff, but any and all of it could have been replaced way, way back, including body panels.

Order the '68 assembly instruction manual, read through it, then compare what you have with what's in the AIM.

The VIN derivitive is stamped on the top of the frame rail in front of the #4 body mount, driver's side. Please be advised the example shown has chalk rubbed into the digits and is certainly easier to see than the one on my car. Expect to find surface rust and road gook if you go looking for your stamping. The second frame stamp is on top of the frame rail about where your left hip would be if you were sitting in the car. This stamp cannot be seen with the body on the frame. VIN derivitives were also stamped on original engines and transmissions. The locations of both of these stampings (engine and trans) are shown in the AIM.

 That is usually something that is not changed over time.

 

I didn't pay much for it so I think I'll get it in decent shape and sell it.  I want a true 68.

 

 

 

Still could be a '68 with a swapped steering column.

 

Check the VIN plate.  The '68 VIN will have a 4 for the car line series in addition to the 8 for the model year:  194678S4XXXXX.  This changed to a 7 for the '69s (194679S7XXXXX).

 

Post your VIN.

 

 

The digit "8" looks a little tampered with, otherwise the plate looks original

 

 

 

 

There's obviously been body panels added.  When I got the car, it had a Puerto Rico inspection sticker on it.  No telling where it came from.  I bought it from Absolute Auto Sales, LLC in Grenville, SC.