was looking at a 68 roadster the other day 300hp 4spd air car ps pb ,it has a L82 hood on it and was wondering what it would cost to put back on the wiperdoors and trim. also was the 68 that bad and should i avoid it all together, it has a nice frame and original interior ,good driver. air comp is missing. will the value ever go up on a car like this.
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Jim, it all depends on how much of the system was removed, the wiper door and linkages assys. do come up on e/bay from time to time.
The doors were a common problem on 68-72 cars. as such alot of these systems were removed and the longer hood installled.
steel bumper cars are still your best value for your dollar,if its priced right buy the car. With the paint work that will required for a hood and replacement hood and the wipers door and linkage take about 1500. for the value of those componets.Last edited by Edward J.; March 27, 2010, 03:20 PM.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight. -
Re: 68 corvette roadster
Thats an easy fix.
A 68? I can say I honestly love mine my fav years for the c3 are 68-69.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Jim
My wife and I have owned our 68 coupe for 29 years. We have been blessed to own several vettes. However there is a speacial feeling for that early Sunday morning drive with the 68. We have taken the 68 and one of the others to local car shows and somehow it draws the most attention. I too have a speacial place for my 68 regardless of value. Their fun, and yes you need to drive the car like your garden tractor.
Go for it. good luck and remember its the journey!Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Love my 68 and still think that it was a unique year for C3's. Yes, 68's had more things to overcome, but once you have it dialed in - everyone stops and stares.
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
One problem with a 68 original owner Corvette I encountered was leaving the wiper overide switch in the on position. Runs down the battery.
Another problem is accidently moving the wiper switch to the on position when cleaning the top dash and just moving it back to the off position
Discovered about 25 years ago and the movement of the wiper switch ran the battery down. The car was not used after the accidential turn on of the wiper switch for dash cleaning for several days.
To solve the battery drain situation starting the car and then cycling the wipers on and letting them shut down fixed my accidential turn on of the wipers when not using the car.
Some good things, engine 327/350 after 42 years still gives good performance with no internal repairs. Transmission and rear end strill great with no repairs. One clutch replacement, two throw out bearings. Have been using a copper/brass replacement radiator I installed in 1974, the original aluminum radiator had leaking issues and unrepairable.
Don't remember what the magazine writers said about the 68's, but then look at Toyota's problems. Do not believe the 68's problems cost GM what Toyota is absorbing.Last edited by Jim T.; March 28, 2010, 02:35 PM.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
post him some pictures of your 68's to get his craving for a 68 going
Jim, would love to see yours with you being the original owner.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
My 68 427/390 is my favorite car in my garage. The early cars, as reviewed by the media, were not ready for prime time and the car got an undeserved poor reputation. 68-72 are very similar with minor differences. As long as you get a nice one, they are terrific cars.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
I've owned my 68 Roadster since 1987 and plan on passing it on to my son down the road someday. The 327/4speed combo is fairly bullet proof if you don't drive it like Enzo Ferrari regularly. There are things that do pop up that will require time/parts/labor to get right again.
But that is why you buy an older classic in the first place, right? The best drives I used to regularly take were in South Florida on Sunday mornings when I drove it up Alternate A1A along the Atlantic Ocean through Hobe Sound, Stuart and points north. Its kinda the reason you get the car in my opinion.
If you can get it for the right price, I would strongly recommend a 1968.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Jim: Drive one first to insure you like it. I could never get over the "humps" above the front wheels, when viewed from the driver's seat.
I did have lots of fun with a Pace Car for awhile, but now I'm stuck between 60 and 67. Remember these are my tastes, and you have to suit yourself!https://MichiganNCRS.org
Michigan Chapter
Tom DingmanComment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
I love my 68 big block roadster. I wish I could obtain better information as to its original configuration, I need help from other members on this. NCRS gave me original dealer info; but no help there. Thoughts?
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
I am having fun bringing my 68 BB back to life and I personally prefer 1st year models. Most bugs have been fixed or can easily be fixed. the bigger cost can come in when you are trying to chase down a one year only part for judging, but that is not exclusive to the 68. The 1st years are the most cutting edge, controversial and polarizing. Just look at the reaction to the C7.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Jim ..........I bought my 72 back in '79 and had a 73 hood on it. I never changed it but I did buy a hood ($100) a wiper door, grill and vac can ($300) and if I ever paint the car will put them on then. I remember seeing someone on CF years ago who cut one down and used it with the vac door. I liked the look but never had time to do it. I never fit into a 68 with the tighter panel and c2 steering wheel. My brother had a coupe back in '71 and my buddy had a roadster back in '81 and both of those cars took a beating on the street. They are like any vette once beat up came apart in pieces but can be built into a nice driver. They have some unique parts so look it over but by now most of the problem issues probably have been addressed. I always liked the dual taillights much better then the 69-82's had. Just a sharper looking car. Don't let the hood stop you, 327-300 is a nice car.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Brad, why not contact your nearest chapter and ask members to help you. They could even set up a tech session to analyze the car. There are many nuances that knowledgeable judges can use to determine what the car was born with.Comment
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Re: 68 corvette roadster
Reba,
Thanks, I have joined my North Texas Chapter, and will approach them about a tech session. I have registered 2 cars to take to our October North Texas Regional Event.Comment
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