1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

[Edward S.]

Just bought a very nice running 68, going thru the numbers on the trans the suffix code is missing, I think it might be a close ratio 4 speed, the rear gear is a 370 posi and the way the car drives the gear spacing feels tight, is there any other way to tell the different trans apart ?? also, the car came with headrests and no shoulder belts, looking under the wheelwell there are no braces, no holes, nothing, and under the carpet same thing, no evidence of them anywhere, normal?? All the books say it should have them, and this car is stock down to the alternator, thanks as always Ed

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Edward,

On a flat road take the car in first gear to 2200 rpm then shift to forth gear. If the forth gear rpm's are at 1000 the car has the 220/1 close ratio transmission. If not, try 2500 in first then shift to forth to see if it's a wide box.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Just bought a very nice running 68, going thru the numbers on the trans the suffix code is missing, I think it might be a close ratio 4 speed, the rear gear is a 370 posi and the way the car drives the gear spacing feels tight, is there any other way to tell the different trans apart ?? also, the car came with headrests and no shoulder belts, looking under the wheelwell there are no braces, no holes, nothing, and under the carpet same thing, no evidence of them anywhere, normal?? All the books say it should have them, and this car is stock down to the alternator, thanks as always Ed

Edward------


Assuming both the transmission and rear end are original to the car, the transmission has to be a close ratio as a wide ratio was not available with 3.70:1 rear.

1968 Corvette coupes were equipped with shoulder belts as standard equipment IF they were built after January 1, 1968. When was your car built?

[John H.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Just bought a very nice running 68, going thru the numbers on the trans the suffix code is missing

Ed -

Muncies didn't have the suffix on the "P-code" that identified the ratio until mid-October, 1968, about 7 weeks into 1969 production.

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Edward------


Assuming both the transmission and rear end are original to the car, the transmission has to be a close ratio as a wide ratio was not available with 3.70:1 rear.

1968 Corvette coupes were equipped with shoulder belts as standard equipment IF they were built after January 1, 1968. When was your car built?

Thanks guys, the trans and rear are original, so it looks like i have a close box, this car was built on march 25th 1968 if im reading the tag right it says H25, vin is 414596, and the quarters have a distinct vertical seam about half way between the rear and door edge, looking under the car shows no signs of damage or repairs

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed -

Muncies didn't have the suffix on the "P-code" that identified the ratio until mid-October, 1968, about 7 weeks into 1969 production.

that explains it, march 6th 68 build date on trans

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

thanks, I will try that next time out, good info

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Thanks guys, the trans and rear are original, so it looks like i have a close box, this car was built on march 25th 1968 if im reading the tag right it says H25, vin is 414596, and the quarters have a distinct vertical seam about half way between the rear and door edge, looking under the car shows no signs of damage or repairs

Ed------


Yes, with that code the body was built on March 25, 1968. I would not have expected a coupe built that late to have been built without shoulder harnesses. That surprises me.

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed------


Yes, with that code the body was built on March 25, 1968. I would not have expected a coupe built that late to have been built without shoulder harnesses. That surprises me.

I am going to try and see if the tank sticker is still in place this week, maybe that will shed some light on the subject

[Paul O.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed

A question for you that I have? The headlight actuators is are they still the originals are the red tubes the ones facing the radiator are they both pointing to the drivers side and slightly off set in the actuator to the drivers side from the notch at the top. If you have a photo that would be a great help early 68 till around late Feb. early March had a different design actuator then later 68's.

Thank You Paul 18046

[George C.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed------


Yes, with that code the body was built on March 25, 1968. I would not have expected a coupe built that late to have been built without shoulder harnesses. That surprises me.

I thought all 1968 Corvette Coupes have shoulder (standard,no charge)belts. Coupe production started in Jan 1968. If a coupe was built before Jan 68 it be a prototype for GM track, photos,etc. My $.02. Hoping to hear more about this March 68 coupe. Enjoy your "new" Corvette. Save the Wave.

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed

A question for you that I have? The headlight actuators is are they still the originals are the red tubes the ones facing the radiator are they both pointing to the drivers side and slightly off set in the actuator to the drivers side from the notch at the top. If you have a photo that would be a great help early 68 till around late Feb. early March had a different design actuator then later 68's.

Thank You Paul 18046

Paul, they are the original actuators, I will ckeck this out for you this week, I have the car in another location right now, and will take a picture

[Edward S.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed

A question for you that I have? The headlight actuators is are they still the originals are the red tubes the ones facing the radiator are they both pointing to the drivers side and slightly off set in the actuator to the drivers side from the notch at the top. If you have a photo that would be a great help early 68 till around late Feb. early March had a different design actuator then later 68's.

Thank You Paul 18046

Paul, the actuators in my car are positioned as you have described, both pointing to the drivers side and the nipples offset to that side, pics didn`t turn out

[Paul O.]

Re: 1968 L-79 Coupe Questions

Ed

Thank You for your fast reply more information for the data base.


Paul 18046