How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

[Dan P.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

Tom-

Is that a cardboard backing on the bottom of the patch? with staples holding string/wire that would be fished-up thru the hole?

Dan

[Tom M.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

Tom-

Is that a cardboard backing on the bottom of the patch? with staples holding string/wire that would be fished-up thru the hole?

Dan

Dan , No its not cardboard, it is a piece of fiberglass body panel,

[Tom M.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

More Detail On The Bolt Holes, Bracket ON THE CORE SUPPORT

[Greg L.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

I realize that the 68 L68/L71/L89 radiator and support is different than what was used in 69. Does this also hold true for the 68-69 L88 or were these two items the same for both years?

[James G.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

The vin number is NOT in any records I have of registered L-88's. The vin number of this car, 19610 was built around Wednesday April 17, 1968. Two know cars were built Monday April 15, and one know car on Friday April 12th. The first car built after this vin is about 120 vin numbers later or the following day Thursday April 18. They made approx 125 cars per day and I think worked Saturday's during this time period.

You really need a knowledgeable L-88 guy go with you to look at the car. Fuel lines are a key also, not only no radio, but look for signs of ignition ground straps in the exhaust and frame areas where they would be attached on a radio car. I like the vin stamp on the transmission, and if it is a 'real' M-22 it is one of 80 cars made. Lot's of gray areas howver, so be careful.

And I have trouble believing only the 80 Corvette L-88 cars got the M-22 "Rock Crusher" Transmission. There must have been a couple of other owners that demanded to have that transmission in their Corvette.

Is there any ownership history ?

Collectors today are telling me if a car has no paperwork, I don't want it.

[Greg L.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

Thanks James, I'm not sure if it matters but the car is actually a 69....built in march I think.

Is the L88 single fuel line the same as the other Tri-power cars or is it slightly different?

There is no ownership history what so ever.

Does anyone know if the 68 & 69 L88 rads and supports are the same or are they unique to each year?

[Tom M.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

Thanks James, I'm not sure if it matters but the car is actually a 69....built in march I think.

Is the L88 single fuel line the same as the other Tri-power cars or is it slightly different?

There is no ownership history what so ever.

Does anyone know if the 68 & 69 L88 rads and supports are the same or are they unique to each year?

Greg, I think the change was dated late 68, I don't know when the last 68 L88 was built, So i think it was 69 L88 only, and 70-72 ZR1/ZR2 cars too, they used HD radiators also

[John C.]

Re: How to tell if it's a real 68/69 L88?

Greg

68 and 69 L88 core supports are different. In 68 core supports were bolted to the front of the frame horn and in 69 to the front cross member. This is true for all cars.

The car you show in the picture has a copper radiator and shroud. If it is a true manual transmission L88 it should have a aluminum radiator and no shroud. Also the car shows power steering and I don't believe you could have PS on a L88 from the factory.

John