I have been asked to go with a friend to look at a 68 T-top, alleged three owner 427/435 car. Aside from the usual check of numbers, is there anything unique about these cars to look at as far as determining originality? Price is $40K. Is that ballpark for these cars in today's market, assuming it is what it is represented to be?
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Re: C3 68 427/435
Unique things include TI, check the rear for sway bar and caps, not straps on the differential yokes. Radiator core should be 27 1/2 inches, No evidence of radiator tank on fender, 6,500 redline on tach. Oil pressure guage is all the same for 1968.
Depending on the condition, $40k is in the ball park. More if L/89 option. I would want to see documentation at this amount of money, good frame, accepatible paint, interior.Dick Whittington -
Re: C3 68 427/435
On the chrome distributor cover (shielding), there is a tab that touches the air cleaner. The tab has serrated teeth. This tab is mounted on the lower part of the chrome shield and it points up. On a car with a round air cleaner, it points down. Also, a 435hp car does not have air conditioning. Engine is a solid lifter engine and the date stamping on the block pad will have the code IR at the end. Example would be T0701IR. To see if it has an original air cleaner screen, it will have three holes in the mesh. The newer ones have like 3 1/2 to 4 holes, etc. The coil should be a 263 coil. Check the metal tag on the distributor. It should have part number 1111296. The alternator part number should be 1100696. Make sure it has a rear sway bar. As mentioned above, the 6500 reline tach is a quick way to pick out a different car. Most people don't bother changing it out, as its a pain.Comment
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Re: C3 68 427/435
I don't know about your past experience with the '68 model, but I've owned a '68 427/435 convertible for 14 years and can offer some insights.
Like the '63 Corvette, the '68 is a one-off, red-headed step-child when it comes to restoration / refurbishment:
1) It has a positive-ground electrical system, so a lot of items like the wiper motor are '68 only. Make sure the wiper system works properly as well as the vacuum system controlling the headlight doors.
2) The wiper override switch is another '68-only item which may be nearly impossible to find, and cost a small fortune to replace, again probably due to the positive-ground, which was changed in '69. Make sure that this switch is operational.
3) Make sure the A.I.R. system and the T.I. system are still intact, and that the fiber-optics work.
4) Look to see if the original exhaust manifolds are still there rather than headers.
5) Check for cracking around the headlight buckets, as they are not as rigidly reinforced as later models. Also the buckets are a different size.
6) Check the condition of the weatherstripping,rubber wipes and door whiskers. and inspect the windshield frame and pillars for corrosion. Make sure the V.I.N. tag is intact.
7) Inspect the condition of the door glass, another expensive item to replace.
Make sure that the door locks are functional. Some of this stuff consists of '68-only parts.
9) Check for sloppiness in the shifter.
10) Check the fit of the door panels, as they were attached using a combination of screws and really cheesy velcro-like attachments, which don't seem to adhere well.
11) Overheating and starter solenoid heat-soak can be a problem during the summer and may have to be addressed.
It's important to note that a lot of the aberrations of the '68 model were straightened out in '69. Most catalogs list a lot of parts as "'68" or "'69-82".
It's really important to buy a car in the best condition possible, or you'll pay dearly on down the road. Don't ask me how I know this.
The NADA guide lists this car as being worth $41,600.00 in the "high retail" catagory, i.e., a car that's excellent throughout and in no need of reconditioning.
Good luck. I'm not trying to talk anybody out of buying a '68, but this is just stuff that you need to be aware of.Comment
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Re: C3 68 427/435
NO 12V Corvette has had postitive ground. All are negative ground. The switches and wiper motor are one year only, but later models can be adapted if necessary.
There were two size headlamp doors used in 1968, with the later being the same as 1969. Have not seen many of the early styles.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: C3 68 427/435
Also, only one fuel line from the tank, so look on the right frame rail for evidence of a return line(should not be one). No a/c available with L71, so look for any signs of this being there at one time. Check for original (not repo or later year) hood, and both female and male latches. If everything checks out, and you get to drive it hard, it should scare the H*** out of you; part of the fun. G.Comment
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