correct 68 grills

[Stephen W.]

I have a late (July) production '68. I see the brochures and some ads showing chrome edges on the grill bars in the '68. Mine are just all black. Did the early 68's actually have chrome grills? Which would be correct for mine?

[Henry J.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Steve:

On my February 68-built car, there is no chrome on the grilles but there is silver paint.

[Dick W.]

Re: correct 68 grills

The silver edges would be correct for a 68 Corvette. I was not chrome, but as Henry states is silver paint.

Merry Christmas

[Joe L.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Steve-----

The silver-painted "leading edge" grilles, as described by others, were used for all 1968s. They were also used for early 1969s, too. A friend of mine with an original owner 1969 coupe built in October, 1968 has the silver-painted grilles.

If you're careful and patient, you can "create" a set of 1968 grilles from a set of the 69 variety. As far as I know, the 1968 grilles are not otherwise available in reproduction at this time.

[Stephen W.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Thanks to everyone. I had been looking for NOS or repo grills but never found any except the all black repos that are listed to "fit" the 68. My car had some minor damage to the one corner of the front so I suspect they replaced the grills.
Anyone with original grills that can provide some detailed pics would be greatly appreciated as well as any tips on restoration of mine. Has anyone ever used those model highlighters that are used to detail the chrome on model cars for something like this? Their like a felt tip marker with silver paint in them.

[Jim T.]

Re: correct 68 grills

My original owner Feb built 68 also came with the silver paint on the plastic gilles. Replaced the right side grille about 20 years ago because it was broken in a couple places. Another original part that was thrown away. Need to get some silver paint to make the replacement look more correct. Looks like some tedious masking will be required.

[Terry F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

There was a huge variation in the way the silver was applied to the leading edge of the grills. It was not done very neatly. The silver was not that bright either, not like chrome spray can stuff. It was closer to argent silver in my opinion. Happy Holliday's, Terry

[Dave F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Exactly. Not that I know any better, but it appears to me it is plain old silver paint applied with a minature roller of sorts, given the varying depth from the edge I have seen on what I thought to be originals. Could be that I have only seen Bubba's work though, as he is a busy boy! I have no memory of my new '68 on this subject, as that was pushing 37 years ago and I can't remember if I have taken my medication yet today

[Terry F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

I hear you loud and clear. Memory....I forgot what the word even means? I believe the originals were sprayed at an angle from the underside. That made the edges appear sharp from the top side. It also appears that they had some sort of device that was probably being reused to partially protect the surfaces from overspray. But, I have seen a lot of variability. I have to wrap some present and clean the kitchen Terry Yep, I clean the kitchen.

[Dave F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Cleaning the kitchen is now a breeze since I put in the floor drain. Just hose down the room once a week, rake off the beer cans and car parts, and it's ready for another week!!

[Terry F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

I am making cookies with my 3 year old daughter. Some interesting cookie shapes. Terry

[Jim B.]

Re: correct 68 grills

I have some pictures of my '68 from when it was new and though I didn't focus on the grills I remember (took my medicine today) that the leading edges of the plastic horizontal louvers were painted with a dull silver paint. Not shiny at all. It looked to me that they had been hand painted in some manner as there were not all sharp edges. Almost a grey color. The whole setup sure struck me as being cheap as I paid a lot in 1968 dollars for that car. I had the same reaction to the paint job it had in the rear quarter panels. I even took it back to the dealer but they showed me other Vettes and they were the same. I still loved to drive it so I kept it all these years.

I bought new grills and intend to paint them with a silver paint, probably by hand. It is not likely that many of us are around who remember what these details even looked like.

[Dave F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Jim,

What you described is what the broken pieces of grill looked like in my most recent '68. They are long gone, and I too will be hand painting their replacements. Thanks for the info....and your memory! By the way, I do remember those '68 dollars - I paid $4818.00 for mine - base engine, 4 speed, no air or power, just leaky roof panels and fun.

[Warren F.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Steve:

Your method should work. I think another easy way is to get a 3 inch roller and mask off the top edges that are not to get painted. Just roll over the top 3 or 4 grill edges that need the silver paint. It comes out perfect and very quick to do.

[Stephen W.]

Re: correct 68 grills

Sounds great. Your way may be a lot quicker. From what I've been reading about how the factory finish looked your way might just look better too.