Can anyone tell me the correct size steel wheels that would have been factory-installed on a 68 L79 Malibu? I'm in the process of restoring (cloning) a 68 back to the one I bought new back in Sept 1967. But after 42 years can't remember what size wheels and tires were on that 1st car. It had F41 suspension and redline tires, and I still have the original dog-dish hubcaps that came with it from the factory. The plain-Jane Malibu that I purchased for this project came with a combination of 14" and 15" stock steel wheels.

According to the Option List, only the F40 Suspension Package was available in 1968.
The F41 Suspension Package was introduced in 1969.
In 1969, the F40 Suspension Package was also available.
The F40 Suspension Package consists of performance shocks and Heavy Duty springs front and rear.
The F41 Suspension Package in 1969 consists of the same items as the F40 with the addition of boxed rear lower control arms, rear sway bar, upper cross braces and a larger diameter front sway bar.

http://cdnclassics.chevelles.net/68_72opt.htm

Please keep us posted with pictures of the restoration.

14 x 5 steel wheel, with body color on the outside, and satin black on the inside. SS-396 got 14 x 6. The wider 7" wheels didn't start on Chevelles until 1969.

What has already been posted is good accurate information. All that I can add is that the L-79 came standard with an upgrade to 7.75-14 tires over the base 7.35-14 size, still using the 14x5 wheel. You could optionally get F70-14 redine (PW8) or white-stripe (PW7) tires, which included 14x6 wheels like the SS. Also in 1968 you could order Rally Wheels on any Chevelle (be aware there were drum & disk brake versions). Rally Wheels on Chevelles that year were all 14x6 regardless of the tire size.

L-79 eh? That sounds mighty fine to me :thumbsup:

THANKS guys!! I really appreciate the info. Now that you mention the F40 suspension on 68's, thats probably what I had. I also had a new 70 Nova SS after that 1st Chevelle and that Nova probably had the F41 that I was thinking of. Guess I'll start looking for some skinny 14" x 5" or 6" steel wheels. These forums and members are GREAT!!:hurray:

I'm surpreised that the F40 still used 5" wheels. Guess you learn something new everyday.

My buddy's 68 L79 car came with 14x6 rally wheels. I believe these were just part of the original order, they were noted on the window sticker.

Woj