[Chevguy68]

Hello all! I had posted a letter a couple months back about this topic, but I wanted to get some new ideas. Here goes. I have a 68 chevelle. I know its not an SS because of V.I.N., lack of plastic inner fender wells, 10 bolt rearend. However, it has full factory guages with a factory tach that redlines at 5000. It also has a factory console with buckets. I have yet to see another chevelle with a factory tach that isnt an SS, let alone with a 5000 redline. If anyone has any information on this option package, please let me know. Also, if there is any information that I didnt give that will help you decipher something, please let me know! Thanks in advance! This is a GREAT site! -----Jerry-----

 

[trw]

the tach you have with a 5000 reline is for a small block 5500 is for a bb low horse 6000 is for 375 hp plastic inner fenders have nothing to do with a car being an SS

[This message has been edited by trw (edited 05-22-99).]

 

[Chevguy68]

Actually TRW, plastic inner fender wells DO have to do with SS's. They were installed on reall SS's. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Byfield]

The tach was available on things other than an SS.

RPO U14 - "Special Instrumentation" - was available on V8 Malibus and SS396 only. It consists of Clock, Tach, Ammeter, Temp, and Oil guages.

The tach itself was also available as a dealer installed accessory. It was part # 987099, and available to anyone who wanted it installed.

As for the plastic fender wells, I'm pretty sure that was simply a factor of what was available on the asembly line. I've never come across anything which would indicate otherwise.

And while I can't be 100% sure, and I can't go check (car's out of town), I think I've got plastic ones on my 300 Deluxe. I'll have to check and get back to you next weekend on that.

Kurt

------------------
The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html
The Team Chevelle Showroom. [last updated May 17, 99]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Boulevard/6987/
Email: [email protected]
A.C.E.S. #1352

 

[Chevguy68]

Thanks for the reply Kurt. I guess I could be wrong on the fender wells. I wonder how many non SS chevelles had factory tachs. I know there is no way to know since they were also a dealer installed option. It might be rare though. Thanks again!

Jerry

 

[Rob F]

I have to side with trw on this one. I have a real 68'SS396 with metal inner fenders. My factory tach redlined at 5500 rpm.

 

[Jeffs 68SS]

My 68SS also has the metal inner fenders....as stated above maybe it depended on what was available, and what plant the car was assembled at.
As for the tach I couldn't tell you my car didn't have that option, but I picked up a complete unit a few years ago that I plan on installing when I redo the car.
The tach starts it's yellow around 5200 and turns red at 5500....any ideas out there??

 

[BillK]

Cant help with the tach, but I always heard that the plastic fender wells were on cars built for the snow areas, so they would not rust as bad. My 71 Heavy Chevy has plastic, I purchased it new in the Washington DC area, so who knows.

------------------
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

 

[Chevguy68]

Looks like I have been out voted on the plastic fender wells. Sorry TRW. Thanks for all the input about the tach. Sounds like it might be at least somewhat rare.

Jerry

 

[MoeMan]

My 69 Malibu was ordered, built in Fremont, sold in San Leandro, Califorina.It came with the plastic fender wells. Not much snow on the California Coast.

 

[PETE68SS]

My '68 SS has metal inners, and the tach yellows at 5250, redlines at 5500, and goes to 7000.