CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: Ue on July 14, 2013, 12:01:24 PM
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Hi All,
I'm importing a 68 396ci SS RS with no solid proof of originality. I'm not fussed about that, I just love the SS/RS options.
What I want to know is, could a SS come out WITHOUT guard "396" (or 350) badges and also without the bonnet "Camaro" badge?
I know that they could be ordered MINUS the striping, but what about with out engine ci badges? I won't have it for a few more months so can't confirm if holes ever existed in the guard (fender) & the bonnet nose or not.
From what I've seen thus far, it looks very genuine or at least is a good mock up. Except for the 67 hub caps.
It has the 5.5K Tic-Toch-Tac, U17 console gauges, SS steering wheel, dual exhaust, multi-leaf springs, pwr disc front brakes with correct silver disc foot pedal, brake proportioning valve without AC, bonnet stacks, blackout rear, 12 bolt rear and all the other standard SS gear. And yes, I know all that could still be ordered on a standard Camaro so hence, no real proof.
If this has been answered somewhere else, please send me the link.
Cheers from down under.
Ue.
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Nope!
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Check for patches for holes on the inner fender.
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If the original motor is/was NOT a 396 or 350, it was not a SS. So no 396 or 350 emblems.
VT
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Whoops, I meant to say on the inside of the fender.
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If the original motor is/was NOT a 396 or 350, it was not a SS. So no 396 or 350 emblems.
VT
Should have still had 327 emblems if V8 car. Only way it would have had no emblems is if it was a 6 cyl. car. Fenders and Header panel could be rpops.
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Talking about his last line ". . . . so hence, no real proof". I've never seen 327 emblems on a real SS Camaro.
VT
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All cars except the base 230 engine had side engine size emblems. If your car doesn't have them, then either:
1. They've been filled in
2. The car started life as a 230 six cylinder
3. The fenders have been replaced and the holes weren't drilled
Ed
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Nice looking car.
What is the VIN number inside the windscreen on the top of the dash on the drivers side?
If it begins with 12437......... it was a V8 from manufacture
If it begins with 12337........ it was a 6cyl from manufacture
I see heaps of repowered 6 cylinder cars here, people get a bit upset when I tell them thier car isnt what they thought it was.
Either way as long as you are happy with it and enjoy it for what it is.
Wayne
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VIN is - 124378L311843 So Camaro Coupe V8 1968 built @ Los.
RS headlight hinge looks like it hasn't been installed in last couple of years, though no proof of original RS.
Rear boot (trunk) floor show RS light cable through floor may not be original and also the second RS brake light has new connections & tape. Showing it's possibly not RS from factory.
Brake proportioning valve would lead to RS &/or big block.
Even if it started life as a standard 68 optioned up and had the right bits added later I'm happy to enjoy it for what it is, as is.
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"Even if it started life as a standard 68 optioned up and had the right bits added later I'm happy to enjoy it for what it is, as is."
Perfect outlook!
Enjoy it while you still can afford it and are healthy. Life is truly short and we all take health for granted. John Lennon said in a song (Beautiful Boy) Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. Nothing is worse than keeping it as a garage queen and then you get sick or die and then someone else enjoys driving it. Sort of like people who work and save all their money and not spending some to enjoy what it can bring. When they die someone else with gets your savings and having a good time.
Mike
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What's the suffix code and partial VIN on the engine pad? Also, what's the suffix code on the 12 bolt?
Ed
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Thanks Mike.
Ed,
The car is on-route from Alaska via LA to Melbourne Australia. I expect it in about 2 months, so I can't confirm engine numbers.
No pics of engine or 12 bolt numbers. Just general pics.
Engine number I've been told is 18K131787 though I haven't been able to identify what vehicle that is out of originally, I can tell it's not the original Camaro one.
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18K131787 is the partial VIN of the car the engine originally came out of. In this case it came from a 1968 Chevelle or El Camino assembled at the Kansas City, MO plant. If you can get the suffix code, I can tell you what HP the engine originally was.
Ed
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Well, I've finally taken delivery and I can say she's a beauty.
Not sure we'll ever identify what HP the engine was originally as the stamp plate on the block is very pitted as you can see in the pics. It may have had some TLC since factory as i popped off a rocker cover and found roller rockers and very clean oil.
Firewall has correct RS hole next to brake booster, though I think the front guards have been replaced at some point as there doesn't appear to be any evidence of badge holes. I haven't crawled underneath yet as I'm focusing on getting it on the road.
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Hey Ed,
The suffix code on the 12 bolt is BR 11 01 G2.
The decoder says it should be a 3.07 Posi but it's currently a non-posi. I guess they could drop in what ever they wanted later on if the original one died.
I'm getting it overhauled in a couple of weeks so hopefully I can find out more then.
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Hi again Ed,
In checking in a multitude of lighting, I can see that the engine suffix is ED...this points to a 1968 Chevelle 396 ci with 325hp with Manual Trans.
Finally in getting back to the post topic, I can confirm there are no holes, existing or patched in the front guards. possibly replaced from original.
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Ue, going by the pictures and the axle code (which appears to be the original - except you're right, it should be a posi), I would say the car started life as either a L35 (396/325) or L34 (396/350). The 3.07 axle was the "standard" axle for both of those.
The original 12 bolt, the big block heater box, the 5.5k tach all point to a big block, so congrats!
Ed
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Just an update. My mechanic who overhauled the rear confirmed it's a Posi 3.07.