Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

[Ned T.]

I'm looking to start a second project with my son, which I'm sure I'll be doing most of the work on, and would like to know how much difference there is between a 68 and 69 rear clip, birdcage and firewall. I know of the obvious differences such as door handles and exhaust panel, but are there many other differences? I realize this is a broad question, but looking for the obvious differences. This would just be a "driver" for him.

[Terry B.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

There is not much difference in the rear clips of each. '68 back up lights are below the rear bumpers where '69's are in the tail light housing. The Stringray emblem above the louvers on '69 are not on '68's. Side pipes were an option on '69 but not on '68. the '69 had AZ (8 in) rims and '68 had AG (7 in). PO-1 hubcaps on '68 and PO-2 on 69's were options. I can't think of anything else at this time that is different.

Terry

[Ned T.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

Terry, Thanks for the information. I guess the other thing I'm not real familiar with is the firewall. Would there be any difference near the wiper motor recess area? Also is there a GM Part # I could check for the firewall to see if they're the same? Would the two A.I.M.s show me that.

[Michael M.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

I will tell you that the tail lamp housing "clocking" is different from '68 to '69. Because the 69 had the reverse lights incorporated into the tail lights, the inner tail lamp housings (I think) from a '68 will not properly fit in a 69 rear clip. You can get them to go in, but they won't be oriented the same as the outers. At least that was my experience.

[Henry J.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

Ned:

The 68 AIM shows #3904997 for the "Panel-Center Plenum" whereas the 69 AIM shows "3976455", which is a revision from #3953060 on August 26, 1969. It appears that 68 and 69 are different, but I cannot give you details.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

Since your talking firewall, keep in mind the inner wheel wells on 68 used staples to fasten the A-arm dust shields, 69 had holes.

[John C.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

Ned

The basic body is much the same but there will be many small differences.

The AIM should show you the differences, but you will have to go through and compare page to page to see them.

If it is a convertible the under dash bracing changed during the course of both model years. Depending when the original car and the donor body were built they could be the same or different.

In the rear compartment the Astro Ventilation changed. In 69 it has a vacuum actuated open/closed vent, 68s do not have this.

On the firewall the mounting of the wiper door actuator changed late in the 69 model year. Also 69s have a steel plate riveted to the passenger side firewall to prevent cracking of the fiberglass at the hood latching pin that 68 don't have.

68 and 69 use a completely different steering columns. I do not believe the mounting is the same. I'm not sure how this effect the firewall.

John

[Dick W.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

Heater/AC box is different

[Ned T.]

Re: Rear Clip Comparison 1968/1969

There seems to be alot of smaller items that we may find when it's too late. I will have to get the 68 A.I.M. and do spme comparisons before deciding. He is putting together a 69 and a "friend" of his has a 68 he will sell him. I think it's best if I try to find a 69 coupe rear clip to firewall complete for him.