Some 69 questions.........

[Kenneth G.]

Hello everyone,

My 69 is drawing nearer to conclusion at the shop where it is being restored.However I have a few differences of opinions with the shop about a few minor things on my 69 that I could probably easily answer with the 68-69 judging manual but I seemed to have misplaced it:

1) Is the wiper door actuator on my 69 the "canister" style or the "double pie pan" style? My car's vin # is 25,xxx and has a build date of about July 17, 1969. I seem to recall that my car should have the canister style(maybe got this info from rick Bizzico's book on 69's?)The shop thinks it should be the double pie pan style since my car is "late" in the model run. i also seem to recall, however, that the pie pan style didnt come into the 69 run until VERY late.

2) Exactly what style is the shifter boot for my 69 4 speed? I seem to recall that it should be a black rubber type boot. One of the workers in the shop felt it should be a leather style boot that matches the interior color (mine is saddle). This doesnt sound right to me.

3) also , can anyone offer their opinion on aluminized exhaust systems? The shop ownere recommends this type . TIA!

Kenny #31871

[Reba Whittington]

Re: Some 69 questions.........

According to the the 1968-69 Judging Guide, the double pie-plate design began at least by SN 14,744 in March, so yours should be this type.

As for the boot, all '69s had a rubber boot with a double fold. The leather boot began with the 1970 model, and they were all black. Aftermarket suppliers make them in colors, but GM never did.

The only thing I know about the aluminized exhaust system is that it will lose points in judging.

[Joe L.]

Re: Some 69 questions.........

Reba and Kenny-----

Actually, I think that the double-pie pan type actuator came into use in much later production. My original owner, VIN 29,000+, mid-September built 69 has the cannister-type actuator. I've seen 69s built after mine with what appeared to be an original cannister-style actuator. It's possible, of course, that the two styles were used intermittently during late production. But, I can say for absolute certain that my car was built with the cannister style actuator.

All 1969s were built with the rubber upper shift boot that Reba describes. 1970 was the first year for the leather boot. The leather boot was the SERVICE boot for 68-69 after about 1971 or 72 but it was not the PRODUCTION boot.

The aluminized exhaust system will last longer than the plain carbon steel and will resist rust for a longer period but is subject to a judging penalty as Reba describes. The carbon steel type is original, but will rust in short order, especially if the car is driven and regardless of whether it's driven in the rain, or not. Significantly rusted pipes will likely incur a judging penalty, too. So, pick your poison.

[Larry Barickman]

Re: Some 69 questions.........

My 69 is a MID oct.69 car 32129 and seems to be very original. I have the canister. I seem to have a mixture of early/late parts. I also have aluminized exhaust that is all welded and has oval or flattened sections like the original. I have used aluminized exhaust before and if you drive the car they are worth the cost. (and point deductions) In my opinion...

[David H.]

Re: Some 69 questions.........

Kenny; I had a 69 (sold 4 years ago) and it had the canister and was ser#33,334. The car was very well kept as it had 110k miles and still had the part no. on the drive shaft. You have to have a diferent bracket to hold the pie pan one on and there are early and late versions of those also, some having straight (early) or curved (late) inlets and outlets and there are two sizes of inlets and outlet pipes as well. Some good info in the Dobins fact book about change-over, my car fell inside the change point and suported canisters late into the year. My rear end even had the 70 style three letter code but the cast date was same month as the engine block. It was an october built car. He may be trying to avoid cost or problems with the canister set-up. God bless; Davidavid

[Wayne W.]

Re: Some 69 questions.........

380XX in the shop right now has pie-plate design.