[Matt73]

Okay, for anyone that didn't read my first post and thinks that this is kind of an obvious question, remember, I'm sort of new at this...

The style of Chevelle that I really like is a '68 or '69. I think it looks awesome the way that that rear side-window tails off to a point. If I get a Chevelle, I really hope it's one of those years (although I sure won't complain about a '70-'72

).

When I was reading "ksphar"'s post about the fuel lines in the '68, it made me think a bit. "MY68SSCHEVELLE" mentioned that he used to get parts for cheap because no one wanted them...why would no one want this year? Then "My1st396" said that they don't make full quarter panels anymore (they lost the dies)...what's the deal there? Does this mean they aren't available only from GM or anywhere?

Is there any other little snags like this with these two years? Even though I really like the style, if restoring it would be near-impossible, then I'd rather go with the '70-'72.

This just seems like one of those little things that everyone sort of knows about...except for the newbie.

Anyway, thanks for any info...

- Matt

[This message has been edited by Matt73 (edited 07-09-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Matt73 (edited 07-09-2001).]

 

[JWA]

Matt,

I don't think the 68 or 69s are that much harder to restore than any of the other years. All of the chevelles have some parts that are hard to find. Sure FULL quarters might not be easily found for a 68, but look at a lot of the other parts, most list for 68-72 so you can get a lot of stuff still. ( I always look 69-72 chevelles as potential donors for my 68

) Actually because of the restoration surge of the 90's there is a lot of stuff that has become available. Plus with the internet and TC available, cars and parts I believe are easier to find than it used to be 10 years ago. Being a newbie maybe you should look for a clean driver that needs minimal work. That way you can drive what you want and probably save you money in the long run since it wouldn't need some of the hard to find stuff. Hope this helps you some. Good Luck

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

My Chevs
My Favorite
There are two theories to arguing with women.... Neither one works!

[This message has been edited by ACE841 (edited 07-10-2001).]

 

[68Chevelleguy]

Yeah guy, don't worry, 68's and 69's don't have any more problems then any of the other years do. You've got to remember these cars are 30+ years old, parts are tricky sometimes, as are a lot of other things. I'm only 19 and I looked for a while for my '68 and to be honest I could have done a little better, but I was getting anxious and that car means the world to me now. Parts aren't too big of a deal for me, cause I bought mine for a race car

So most of the car will be aftermarket

yeah baby. The best advice I can offer you man is to learn as much as you possibly can, although these cars seem simple and for the most part are, there is still A LOT to learn, and they can me very moody

They can be a pain in the a$$ sometimes, but the majority of the time they will give you the best times ever,

believe me. Good luck my friend, and by the way get a '69, the '68's are mine!

Jim - '68 Malibu/Sportsman

 

[chevywidow]

Matt, Jeff has a very good point. Start with something solid. There are "unfinished" Chevelles out there that people just lose interest in. Besides, it's always like Christmas when you find a part you've been looking for and it finally arrives at your door.

 

[dreinecke]

Matt,

Don't sweat it. I restored my last '68 in the early '80's. There are so many more parts available now! It is true that certain parts aren't available, but for the most part, those of us on a budget wouldn't be replacing that quarter anyhow. We'd be using a large patch panel.

Good luck in your search!

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David Reinecke - aka - FINE 68
1968 Chevelle 300 Sport Coupe Deluxe
www.geocities.com/jdreinecke

 

[d1_bradley]

Probably one of the biggest areas of concern on a '68 vs '69 is the front brakes. If you have disks, the '69 parts are plentiful and cheap, relative to a '68. Of course if you aren't going for the full show route, you can upgrade both to bigger, better. But, in the overall scheme of things this is a small amount in the total restoration cost. On the '68s plus side is that you can verify it being a SS by the VIN.

 

[283v8]

I'd go for the look/year you want and not worry about parts. I did a 64 and many parts are not available, but I always found something somewhere. There's enough parts and links to parts on this site to rebuild ANY Chevelle.
Have fun, do it your way.

------------------
Make it the way you like it, forget what the other guys say!
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/al's64elky-1
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/al's64elky-2

 

[MY68SSCHEVELLE]

Parts USED to be cheap because everone was restoring 70's. 68's have really picked up in popularity and just about any part that you would ever need is available, or with a little hunting can be found. I have restored several 68's and even if the parts were more expensive and harder to find, I would still restore 68 Chevelles. If you really want a 68, go out and get one. If you want a 70, go get one of those, point is, get what you want and enjoy it!!!!!

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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

 

[Steve R]

Matt, the reason 68's were not popular is becuase everyone was into first generation Camaros and 55-57 Chevys. Once the prices of those rose people moved on to 70 Chevelles and second generation Camaros. After the prices of those rose other Chevelles and then Novas became popular. It has nothing to do with some inherant problem with 68's it is just the "market" at work. Now any Chevelle wagon or 2 door is highly desirable.

Steve R.