Stripping and Lower Body Color on 68 SSs [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Stripping and Lower Body Color on 68 SSs


Lee H Weber
Jul 5th, 01, 7:27 PM
68 buffs (or anyone with the knowledge)-

In the process of restoring and painting my 1968 Chevelle SS. Did ALL 68 SSs have the "68" SS strip (the double two part strip that ran along the bottom of the car and up and over the front clip) as a "must" or was this an option?
The car is the original color matador red. However on the lower portion of the front fenders, below doors, and QTRs,( below the 4 pcs of molding) it is a flat black. Again, was this original and on all SSs? Did all 68s have this black colored area, or is this a new fad? I ask as I have seen this black painting on more than one 68 at more than one show. And, sometimes I see no black in the areas described. If this in fact is "accurate", what color black (flat, semi-gloss, etc.) was used. OR, should the entire car be the solid color of the Matador Red?
One can paint a car however they want and I agree with this approach. But I'm trying to "put it back" to a close GM replica. The cowl tag shows a black top code (766 B) for my vinyl top, and the R2 for my body paint (Matador). But, from my understanding there is no other data I can extract from the tag other than what I have done thus far. Please - educate me!

starsstripes
Jul 5th, 01, 8:01 PM
Lee, i believe the stripes were an option. the lower black came standard except for dark colored cars, black etc. i dont have the black on my '68 yet(Mines red)....been debating for a number of years whether to do it or not.

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jim #899

68 SS396 CHEVELLE CONVERTIBLE
70 SS396 ELCAMINO


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JWA
Jul 5th, 01, 8:39 PM
I am pretty sure Jim is correct. The stripe is an option, the black was standard except for dark colored cars. I also believe the finish was semi-gloss so that's how mine was painted. If you get the dealer brochure it has a couple of pics of a red 68 SS. On the promo page here on TC is one them: http://www.chevelles.com/years/68/sportcoupe.html

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Jeff Angerstein
ACES#841 TCG#158
68 SS396(454)
68 Pro Street
69 SSRS 396(427) 4spd
87 MC SS

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MY68SSCHEVELLE
Jul 6th, 01, 4:43 AM
The body stripes were indeed an option, I currently have one that has them, and have owned several others that have not. The bottom on the SS cars should be semi gloss black.

It is nice to see another 68SS in my neck of the woods....

Tom

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1968 SS396 350 HP TURBO 400 4.11 POSI, TUXEDO BLACK
68 Chevelle Post-Future Big Block 4 speed car-Currently being restored.
1979 Chevy Malibu, Restored