73 coupe rear window surround

[William M.]

My original has 4 screws but is cracked at the stress points. NCRS 73-74 Tech Info & Judging Guide states it should have 4 screws. All I can find for sale are reproductions with 5 screws. Am I better off leaving it as is, or going for what is an incorrect repro?

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My original has 4 screws but is cracked at the stress points. NCRS 73-74 Tech Info & Judging Guide states it should have 4 screws. All I can find for sale are reproductions with 5 screws. Am I better off leaving it as is, or going for what is an incorrect repro?

William-----


First of all, I think you will find that the pieces you are finding in "reproduction" are actually SIX screw attachment, not five. In any event, the only ones I am aware of are the FOUR and SIX screw versions. Here's the deal:

The surround frame used for 1973-only was the four hole attachment. It was GM #327667. For the 1974 model year, "extensions" were added on either side of the frame which provided 2 additional attachment points. Curiously, the part number did not change. So, apparently the change was handled with a revision to the original drawing. This frame was used through 1975. It became SERVICE for 1973 models after the 1973 model year when the revised frame went into use for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE.

For 1976, a new part number was used. This is GM #368699. However, I believe the configuration was the same as 74-75. I don't know why they decided to change the part number. It may be that there is some other slight change in the part or it may be that they figured out they blew it when they didn't change the part number for 1974. The GM #368699 was used in PRODUCTION for the 1976-77 model years and became SERVICE for 73-75 models.

The GM #368699 is still available in SERVICE to this very day from GM. I feel pretty confident that it's the piece that's being sold in "reproduction". It's completely correct for 76-77, mostly if not completely correct for 74-75, and incorrect for 1973 (but FUNCTIONAL). You have a 73, so you're "odd-man-out".

I doubt very much that the 73-only configuration piece is reproduced. So, to find a new piece you'd have to find an NOS GM #327667 manufactured during the 1973 model year. Good luck on that one.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My original has 4 screws but is cracked at the stress points. NCRS 73-74 Tech Info & Judging Guide states it should have 4 screws. All I can find for sale are reproductions with 5 screws. Am I better off leaving it as is, or going for what is an incorrect repro?

The judging of your window surrond may end up the same with a new part that loses originality or your old part that loses condition. I would try a repair on the back side then you have a chance that the condition will not be seen if you have a good repair.
Lyle

[William M.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

Thanks for the responses. The original actually has 6 screws, 4 that you can see and 2 more that go on the flanges on the ends. The extra screw on reproductions is centered along the bottom. My original is bowing out at this point, so I can see why functionally they added an extra screw to hold it in better. I guess best solution is finding a NOS 73 piece out there. Any suggestions?

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

It will be a hard part to find because the people who part out Corvettes will break a part like this hauling it to the swap meet.

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

Thanks for the responses. The original actually has 6 screws, 4 that you can see and 2 more that go on the flanges on the ends. The extra screw on reproductions is centered along the bottom. My original is bowing out at this point, so I can see why functionally they added an extra screw to hold it in better. I guess best solution is finding a NOS 73 piece out there. Any suggestions?

William-----


I thought that the 73 window surround frame did not use the extensions on either side. However, if yours has them I guess I'm incorrect.

[William M.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

William-----


I thought that the 73 window surround frame did not use the extensions on either side. However, if yours has them I guess I'm incorrect.

Yes, mine has them. They are tucked under the trim pieces, so you have to look for them. I'm fairly confident that my surround is original judging by the aged/cracked condition.

[Michael W.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My very late '73 (July 5th) had the extensions.

[William M.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My very late '73 (July 5th) had the extensions.

Mine's April 3. But back to the question of finding a correct one - any ideas?

[Roger S.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My July 20th '73 has the side tabs.

Roger

[William M.]

Re: 73 coupe rear window surround

My July 20th '73 has the side tabs.

Roger

O.K., I'm confident we all agree they have the side tabs. But now where do i get a correct 6 screw vs. repro 7 screw?