1968 Only Rear Deck Vent Grilles ?

[Richard T.]

I read recently about the rear deck vent grilles on the 68 s being unique as they have square corners. I asked some questions and am waiting for a response. Meanwhile I thought I'd ask here as well. I checked the 5th edition judging guide but it doesn't say anything about this. Can anyone shed some light on this? Pictures? Or is it just an urban rumor ? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Only Rear Deck Vent Grilles ?

I read recently about the rear deck vent grilles on the 68 s being unique as they have square corners. I asked some questions and am waiting for a response. Meanwhile I thought I'd ask here as well. I checked the 5th edition judging guide but it doesn't say anything about this. Can anyone shed some light on this? Pictures? Or is it just an urban rumor ? Thanks

Richard-------


Well, there were actually 3 rear grille part numbers used over the 1968-76 period. Each was supersessive to the earlier for SERVICE so they are all "interchangeable" as far as functionality and fitment goes.

The first was GM #3919646. This was used from start of 1968 PRODUCTION until some time later in the model year. I do not know exactly when. This grille did have more "squared off" corners compared to later but they were certainly not 90 degree corners. There was a radius but a very small radius. The 3919646 was discontinued from SERVICE in July, 1968 and replaced by GM #3936362.

The GM #3936362 was used from sometime later in the 1968 model year through the 1974 model year. As far as I know, except for the corners it is identical to the 3919646. However, there could be other very subtle differences. The corners on this grille have an ever-so-slightly increased radius compared to the 3919646. The 3936362 was discontinued from SERVICE in December, 1974 and replaced by the GM #336188.

The GM #336188 was used in PRODUCTION from 1975 through 1976. As far as I know, the only difference between the 336188 and the earlier 3936362 involves a difference on the underside of the attachment ribs. This is not visible with the grilles installed on the car. I do not know of any other differences but I would not rule out that some other subtle difference exists. The 336188 was discontinued from SERVICE without supersession in the last few years.

[Richard T.]

Re: 1968 Only Rear Deck Vent Grilles ?

Thanks Joe, I'm surprised there were three numbers. I have an NOS pair of 336188 and they're identical to my car which is 15,732 built in April
Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Only Rear Deck Vent Grilles ?

Thanks Joe, I'm surprised there were three numbers. I have an NOS pair of 336188 and they're identical to my car which is 15,732 built in April
Rich

Rich------


You must have the GM #3936362. I think if you look at the reverse side of your originals versus the 336188 you will see a slight difference. However, it will not be discernible with the grilles mounted on the car.

However, I understand that new judging standards will require complete disassembly of the car so that every part can be scrutinized and subject to microscopic and metallurgical analysis. Just kidding.

[Richard T.]

Re: 1968 Only Rear Deck Vent Grilles ?

I didn't think of the bottom side. Anyway I think there are currently 91 Unique parts in the 68 model year. I bet that number will continue to grow for a while.