69 side fins

[Marc N.]

i see some 69 vetts with an aluminum cover in each shark fin and some without...was this an option on the 69s or an aftermarket item......advise..thanks...marc

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 side fins

marc-----


I believe that you are referring to the chrome louver trim inserts. These were available as an option in 1969 only and were referred to as the RPO "TJ2" louver trim. The louver trim will also fit 68 Corvettes, but they were never originally available in 1968 as an option. Believe it or not, these trim pieces are still available from General Motors. The part numbers are GM #3945247, left side, and GM #3945248, right side. They currently GM list for $21.05 each and 4 of each part number are required. Although still available under the original part number, current SERVICE parts are slightly different in finish than the originals.


By the way, these are two part numbers that I DON'T have in my collection. And, I won't be getting them, either. I HATE them.

[Juliet P.]

Joe, HATE!?!? Why?

Joe, It's wierd to see you using such strong words. Just really curious why you hate them so much? If you're not going to acquire them for your infamous parts stash there's got to be some pretty good reasons... ??


~Juliet

[Mark J.]

because they are ugly!

I don't like them either.... just an opinion. MJ

[Tom B.]

Re: They look like a gimmick....

....add me to the list. I've always enjoyed the "cleaned of trim" factory look, especially with the 67's and 68's. TBarr #24014

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe, HATE!?!? Why?

Juliet----


It's really quite simple. In my opinion, the 68-69 Corvettes have the cleanest front fender lines of any year Corvette and the front fender louvers are the best looking of any year Corvette that had louvers/"gills". For 1968-69, the "coke bottle" shape of the C3 was at it's zenith and was increasingly compromised afterwards throughout C3 production. Much of this compromise was instigated by government regulations and some was instigated by change for the sake of change which such a long production run often produces the perceived need for.


So, why anyone would want to spoil the ultra-clean fenders of a 68 or 69 with these "tacked on looking" louvers is beyond me. In fact, I feel the same way about side pipes. If I ever bought a car that had them, the very first thing that I'd do is take them off and re-install undercar exhaust. And, if that happened, for the the first and only time, I'd be selling parts. Because, just like the louvers, I wouldn't want the side pipes in my collection.


Now, don't everyone that has louvers and side pipes get offended. That's just my opinion. Everyone else is free to have theirs.

[Kenneth G.]

Re: 69 side fins

Joe,


I have a set of GM fender louvers for my 69 (I like them!) and was wondering what the "slight difference" was between these new ones and the originals that came on the car?


Kenny

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 side fins

kenny----


My recollection is that the inner surface of the originals were a brushed chrome finish whereas the current editions have a painted inner surface. Or, vice-versa. I'm sorry that I can't provide a more definitive answer, but I've never studied these parts. And, I probably never will. I'm sure that other on the board will be able to provide information, though.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 side fins

Joe has it "flip-flopped". The originals were painted argent silver in the inside, leaving just the chrome edge. The ones you buy today are all chrome, so you have to paint them to make them appear "original". Hope this helps. Chuck

[Marc N.]

Re: 69 side fins

boy, didnt realize that i would have the entire group jump on this original question/.......this is great!!!!!!

[Jerry]

Re: Joe, HATE!?!? Why?

As a Joe Lucia fan I've always, (well, not ALWAYS) been aware that J.L.did not like my side exhausts, I knew he didn't like L88 / ZL1 hoods , now I discover he doesn't like my louver trim. I'm gonna go to the nearest red neck gin joint and trade it for a red Ford pick em up, with gun rack, of course.


jerry

[Carmen Filletti]

Re: What Value .....

Joe, What value does your personal opinion about louvers, and side pipes have to the original post??? I happen to have and like both. (Who cares!!) That doesn't help the original Poster with his question! Some things are better left un-said!!!!

[Eric J.]

Means a lot to me

As far as I'm concerned Joe has every right to post his opinion. After all he didn't waist the NDB time to simply state he doesn't like them. He gave the part numbers, the fact that they are still available, and the minor differences in the current replacement. He then added a sidebar on his opinion. Now your post on the other hand did nothing to support the original post. So who's waisting who's time? (I realize mine didn't help either, but I just enjoy Joe's input so I though I would defend him) Eric #3,182

[Ol' Geezer]

Re: Joe, HATE!?!? Why?

Geezer here -- Joe, I'm with you in this opinion. My gold '69 had those darn things. I think that all early, dealer-ordered '69s had them. I wanted to pull them, but they were attached with those same rubber-covered nuts that were used on luggage carriers and right-side rear-view mirrors. Filling and finishing those holes, and matching the faded paint, was a job that I didn't want to tackle.

[Jerry]

Re: What Value .....

The first portion of Mr. Lucias original response answered the posters question in complete detail. The original post also asked for advise, Mr. Lucia chose to give advise, he doesn't like them. Many folks that frequent this board ask for Mr. Lucias opinion and obviously feel it has great merit, myself included. While my 69 embodies many of the options Mr. Lucia does not particularly care for and did not choose to order on his 69, he was kind enough to be very complimentary when he looked at my car, never once mentioning that he does not like those options. My post referring to trading for a Ford pickup was purely Tongue in cheek and I am certain he knew that.


jerry