68 Gas Tank Door Spring

[Joe R.]

Re: 68 Gas Tank Door Spring

Ed------


Yes, the difference in size of the holes in the hinge plate is very likely the only difference between the 1968 and 69-70 bezel assemblies.

Hi Joe L:

After having my brain corrupted by Ed McComas at Carlisle a couple years ago, I have begun to study '68 lids as well. I concluded that the 69-70 bezel castings *appear* to be identical to the 68 casting, but as I recall, they have a different casting number. I don't know why GM would change the casting number unless something was different about the casting.

I'm away from home this week, but I think I have samples of each in my collection, and will check this again when I get home.

For judging purposes, I don't think the bezel casting number is visible, so maybe the 69-70 bezel could be used on a 68 for judging purposes.

I've been thinking that one way to restore a 68 lid might be to buy a reproduction 69 lid, remove the hinge pin, and substitute a restored 68 lid casting and the 68 riveted hinge. The goal would be to eliminate many of the restoration problems listed in Ed's earlier posting, so that the effort could be limited to the 68 lid casting and those four spin rivets.

If anyone knows of a difference between the reproduction 69 bezel and the original 68 bezel that would be discernable in judging, I'd be interested to know.

[Edward M.]

Re: 68 Gas Tank Door Spring

I concur Joe R. I never really thought about it before, but that might work.

One of these days I will get back to this effort.