67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

[William B.]

I am considering putting a new press molded front clip on my 67 427.
I have always been able to tell if a 63-67 vette has had major repairs to the front by checking the headlight support bar. I think there were 2 different styles of metal bars, 63-66 and the later and replacement 67 type. Also I know a lot of the replacement clips used a fiberglass bar, a dead give away.

If I put a replacement front end on, is the 67 gm bar still avaliable or should I look for a used bar? Also can semersheims install a used bar when assembling the front clip.
Or can someone give me better advice?

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

There were at least three bars. The 63s didnt have holes for the front part of the emblem and were drilled with only one hole. 64 to 66 had the holes punched , and had counter sunk holes at the front of the emblem. Thats the large holes. In late 66 the bar was changed and the large holes are not rounded. Then comes the AOS vs St. Louis. AOS were green, St Louis were black. They all had the stamped L. So then, you will have to determine if you have an AOS or ST. Louis. Because the 67 is the later style, all later over the counter or early reproductions should pass. The latest reproduction doesnt have the L. Both SS and Image will come with the later metal bar.

[William B.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

Thank you Wayne, I have a st louis car built 6/23/67 and assume that I need a black bar, with the sharp cut out holes and an "L" stamped on it? Am I correct?

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

Thank you Wayne, I have a st louis car built 6/23/67 and assume that I need a black bar, with the sharp cut out holes and an "L" stamped on it? Am I correct?

Correct .

[Randy R.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

The nose of my 67 was replaced with GM fiberglass replacement parts many years ago. A bar from an earlier year was used. I would like to replace the bar without destroying the fiberglass parts. Any ideas?

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

The nose of my 67 was replaced with GM fiberglass replacement parts many years ago. A bar from an earlier year was used. I would like to replace the bar without destroying the fiberglass parts. Any ideas?

Thats not going to be easy, if its well bonded. Midyear fiberglass bonds well and will tear when trying to remove it. Unless, you have one of those gray SMC panels from the 80s. Then it may fall out if they didnt use epoxy. I don think its worth trying. No one is really going to know if you dont tell um.

[Mike M.]

Re: 67 new front clip, metal headlight bar?

Randy,
the only reason I can think of that would benefit from your little project would be for judging purposes.
Inspecting the header bar for typical configuration is definitely on the Exterior Judges to-do list.
The deduction is typically a point or two.
As Wayne pointed out, your endeavor really is not practical.
Take this minor deduction and focus on other areas that yield greater rewards from mimimal investment, like Ops @ 25 points per line item.
HaND