Core support differences

[Chuck R.]

Just what are the differences between the 68s and 69 through 70 core supports

I'm curious if I can marry my 68 specific components to a ....oh say 69 core support or are there just too many diffences?

Mine is a non A/C small block support and the lower mounts and tin work is long gone!

I can get my hands on all kinds of 69 up parts, but 68s?......we all know that's another story don't we

Thanks,

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: Core support differences

Chuck, new supports are available but they are $450 (ouch). There is someone out there that manufacturers repair pieces for core supports. Maybe someone will chime in with the vendors name.

There is quite a bit of difference between the 68 and 69 supports. I have made repair sections for midyears and do not know why it could not be done for your 68. Find you someone locally that is handy with sheet metal.

[Joe L.]

Re: Core support differences

Chuck-----

Anything could be done with enough modification, but I think that there are just too many differences between a 1968 and 1969 core support to interchange them. I don't know if repair sections are currently available for C3 supports, or not.

The 69-72 supports are all functionally interchangeable, although there are discernable differences from early 69 to later 69 through 72.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

I actually have had repair steel bent up for the lower horizontal braces, but the actual mounts (that are also spent) would be the challenge to bend up.

I was hoping that these pieces would cross over so I could just drill out the spots and re-attach onto mine.

Well I guess deep down, I knew what the feed back would be.

Hey now, maybe I have a "Sportsman" article in the making huh? "How to cobb up core supports"

Thanks again Guys

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

Chuck-----

If you are talking about removing the lower transverse section fo the 69 support and using that to replace the same section on the 68 support, I think that would work out ok. I think that there's sufficient commonality of the lower transverse section. The main problem will be just how much of the lower transverse section needs to be changed. If you can get by with the portion between the frame mount brackets on either end of the 68 support, then I think you'll be ok. If you need the entire piece with frame brackets, then it will be more difficult.

You can definitely transfer the 69 lower radiator support brackets (the parts that would be hard to fabricate) from the 69 to the 68 support. One problem is, though, that if you find a 1969-72 radiator support with a good lower transverse section, it might be too good and too valuable to cut up for "donor" pieces.

Here's a thought if you're talking about a 1968 aluminum radiator support: you should be able to use the radiator support lower brackets, if not portions of the transverse section, itself, from the 63-67 small block repair section available in reproduction. I believe that the "donut" recepticle brackets are the same. You might even be able to call CSC Reproductions and see if they will sell you just the brackets to weld onto your fabricated lower transverse section. Their number is 440-331-8939. If they are not the source for these pieces, then I would expect that Vette Products of Michigan is.

[Mark F.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

There is a great response here, but being another owner of a 68, how do I know I have the proper radiator support installed. I keep getting the feeling that the fron end of my car is not original, so is there something I can check to make sure I have a true 68 core support. I have a 68 big block coupe.

Thanks

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

Mark-----

1968 radiator core supports are sort of a "transition" between the earlier C2 and later C3 years. They are unique to 1968. They have the frame brackets which are welded onto the the rear lower ends of the support frame and attach to the frame horns (like the earlier supports), but have the support frame peripheral configuration like all C3s.

So, the thing to look for are the lower brackets welded to the rear of the support which rest on the frame horns. Later supports do not have these, so if you lack them, then someone may well have "grafted" a front end from a later year onto your car. It's obviously not possible to graft the front end from an earlier Corvette on a 68 and it's not possible to use an earlier support on a 1968, either.

[Mark F.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

I'll check it out. Thanks Joe.

Mark

[Mark F.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

It appears that the bracket on both sides is spot welded to the support. Does that sound correct?

Thanks

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

Mark-----

My recollection is that the brackets are spot welded to the main frame of the support. These brackets are not, at all, subtle. They are a more-or-less "triangular" piece and the lower "leg" of the "triangle" rests on the frame horns. They are approximately 1-1/2" to 2" in width.

If the brackets are there, it's a 68 support. If they're not, it's a later support (and, likely, a later front end with it).

[Dennis D.]

Re: Core support differences

I have a original 68 alum radiator in my 70 L-46. The support only has the round holes for the pins in the bottom of the radiator. Don't see any other brackets on the support. Now I wonder what its from

I'm in the process of putting the correct parts in, but not knowing what they look like makes the job a bit of a challenge.

[Dick W.]

Re: Core support differences

The radiator, 3155316, was used in 63-72 Corvettes. Was used in base engine 4 speed cars of the 68-72 vintage

[Dennis D.]

Re: Core support differences

Guess I should have given more info. 70 L-46, 4sp,non air

[Dave F.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

Chuck,

Coffman in Ohio has the components for repairs in the area you mentioned. I'll dig through my receipts and email the address to you. Feel free to bug me if I fall asleep while researching this, as the volume of my receipt stack is huge

[Dave F.]

Re: Thanks Dick & Joe for the Info

coffmancorvette.com or 888-774-0220. However, their website no longer lists 1968 as a year they service. I did find lower brackets for mine a couple of years ago from them (or was that 10 years ago?)so they did have '68 stuff at one time. Good luck.