68 grills, update?

[Terry F.]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more confussing. I have been looking at 68 grills. Here is the latest that I have come to find out. I believe that all 68's had the silver trim right up into 1969 (early). The other thing I believe is that sometime later in 68 production they switched into the later design front grills (same shape as original 69 and very similar to reproduction). So, everyone should look closely at there grills before they just assume they have been replaced or are not original. The main difference is that the later design has reinforced webbing and the grill fins don't stick out. 68 does not have the reinforcing and the rill edges stick out.

That is all, Terry

[Warren F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Terry,

I like learning about all these unique anomalies between model years on these early sharks. Thanks for sharing your interest in this research and keeping us informed on the differences noted.

I too have this intense interest, only with the '70 to '72 models.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Your welcome. It is frustrating in a comical way. I seem to notice details in funny ways. If I had half a memory, I would be dangerous. It is very likely they figured out the original grills were just too whimpy and just made a new mold later in production. I hope people with later low mile cars share their observations. I would like a better sence at where the transition took place. I believe my car had the early grills but I tossed them before I knew what they were. I assumed the replacements were identical That was a long time ago. I don't throw anything away any more

Terry

[Wayne W.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

The mounting brackets are also different.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

The early and late grills will both attach to the 68 grill brackets. I am not sure if 68 had a change in grill brackets during production or not, or if the change occurred in 69. One of these days I will have to go out and look at some more 68 and 69 cars and narrow this stuff down better. Terry

[Paul O.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Terry my friends last week of production 68 has the originals on it and they are not like 69 grills they are 68 only type hope this helps. Paul

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Paul, do the grille fins stick out on them from around the edges? Actually, I am relieved to hear that. I started to think like this because a friend of mine sent me some pictures of grills taken off a 68 that looked like 69 but were painted like 68 and the paint looked very factory applied. Thanks, Terry

If you like I can post a picture.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Paul, I would really like to know if your late grill fins stick out or are flush with the surrounding plastic? Do they have any plastic webbing? I assume they have silvered edges. Thanks, Terry

[Terry F.]

68 grill picture *NM*

[Paul O.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Sorry was real busy last night yes they look just like the ones in your photo. Paul

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 grills, update?

Good morning! I am getting ready for work or atleast I should be getting ready for work That pretty much seals the deal for me. Thanks for the information! Terry