The proper front clip

[Roger D.]

If I were to be looking for a new original front clip for my 69 could I look from 68 - 73. Would these be acceptable for judging??

[Russ S.]

Re: The proper front clip

No. Only 68-69 unLess You want to change THE SIDE PANEL. if SO THEN YOU COULD USE 70-72 ALSO.

If I were to be looking for a new original front clip for my 69 could I look from 68 - 73. Would these be acceptable for judging??

[Michael W.]

Re: The proper front clip

No. Only 68-69 unLess You want to change THE SIDE PANEL. if SO THEN YOU COULD USE 70-72 ALSO.

Agreed. '73 and up are out also. Different side panels, front bumper area and hood surround.

[Terry M.]

Re: The proper front clip

If I were to be looking for a new original front clip for my 69 could I look from 68 - 73. Would these be acceptable for judging??

Actually 1968 is different than 1969, or at least most of 1968 is different. There is a reinforcement in late 1968 and 1969 around the front corners of the hood opening that does not exist on earlier 1968 front surrounds.

In addition to the different side panels in 1970 to 1972 there are fender opening extensions (Commonly called "mud flaps") to the rear of the front fenders in 1970-1972.

A skilled fiberglass practitioner can change any of these things, but you will be much better off, both in resources and quality of result, to start with a 1969 front clip. With almost 39,000 1969s built there should be no shortage of front clips available.

[Roger G.]

Re: The proper front clip

There is a difference between the 1968/69 driver side inner fender. 69 has a groove molded into the inner fender for the front wiring harness to pass between the fender and core support.... 68 does not have a groove, the front wiring harness passes through a hole in the core support. And as I recall, in 68 The driver side drip rail does not have a hole to mount the hood support, in 1969 it does. I believe there are also some differences in the nose header bar from 68 to 69 for support of the headlamp housing

you might be able to get by with a 68 front clip, if you replace the driver side inner fender and drill a hole in the drip rail for the hood support...

[Roger D.]

Re: The proper front clip

There is a difference between the 1968/69 driver side inner fender. 69 has a groove molded into the inner fender for the front wiring harness to pass between the fender and core support.... 68 does not have a groove, the front wiring harness passes through a hole in the core support. And as I recall, in 68 The driver side drip rail does not have a hole to mount the hood support, in 1969 it does. I believe there are also some differences in the nose header bar from 68 to 69 for support of the headlamp housingyou might be able to get by with a 68 front clip, if you replace the driver side inner fender and drill a hole in the drip rail for the hood support...

Thank you , I forgot about side panels and I wonder since my car is early 69 if they still used a 69 front clip. Regardless I will look for a 69 clip and avoid any issues with other years. ThanksRoger