Author Topic: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?  (Read 1053 times)

monarchpackaging

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68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« on: September 22, 2023, 01:28:19 AM »
I am doing a ground up restoration on a 68 Camaro and want to use the 69 RS Grille in the 68. Has anyone successfully accomplished this? If yes, what changes were required on the 68 to install the RS Grille from the 69? Thanks, Larry

bcmiller

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2023, 03:56:28 AM »
I think it would be difficult to accomplish.
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

David K

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2023, 04:22:35 AM »
You just might be the first, and no they are not interchangeable.

monarchpackaging

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2023, 09:34:18 PM »
Don Dillard at Hwy 99 Hot Rods is doing the work on the Camaro and our conversation was that we would purchase the grille and headlight assembly and make it fit, but he also said we might be the first to use the 69 RS system on a 68. I was hoping I would find someone that had tried it and was successful. Is there any drawings of the two years showing the dimensions of the grille and headlight areas, also showing the shape of each? Thanks to all who reply. Larry Thompson 559 688 7308 Office or 559 978 0625 Cell.

fsc66

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2023, 12:28:37 PM »
So you’re spending all the money to do a group-up un-original restoration?

joesauer

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2023, 04:17:29 PM »
Just curious as to why you're doing this?   Are you changing other'68 items to look like '69's = taillights?

monarchpackaging

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2023, 06:41:01 PM »
Joe, I am doing a lot of things different than what you would normally find on a 68, like electric bucket seats that came out of a late model convertible just so I can have shoulder and seat belts because a Camaro has no place to mount the shoulder strap and this type of seat has them built into the seats. We are building a center console that will have the electric window switches, and 2 cup holders. We are installing electric mirrors, door locks. totally different door panels. We are tubbing it to house large back tires and a completely different running gear, i.e. a built 454 with a 4L80E trans, and a Strange 9", 4:11 Posi rear end. This car belongs to me and my family, no one else, and the last time I checked, I have the right to build it any way I want to. It sounds like the guys that have replied are all original Camaro guys, and that is OK if that is the way you like yours, but yes I am building mine the way I want too, not the way any of you think it should be built. I like the 69 RS grille and headlight assembly better than the 68, and the major reason is the 68 headlight doors don't sit flush and even and the 69 does. Maybe some of the original parts that we don't use would have interest to others that are "Original Only" builders? Blessings to all that have built or will build there Camaros the way they want too.

bcmiller

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2023, 07:00:53 PM »
I don't think anyone meant to offend you. 

Let us know how it goes.
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

MO

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2023, 05:09:13 AM »
I agree, I'm sure no offense was intended. But you have to realize this site is more about preservation and originality than custom or resto-mod. So that is why you may see comments that might not align with your vision.

Badshifter

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2023, 02:42:21 PM »
Good morning Larry, the only possible glitch in your question on modifications is that you posted under the restoration section. In this area we come to talk about actual restoration. There is a section for modifications, that would align more with what you are planning to do. I for one would love to see pictures of the progress. Good luck.
1969 Z28 X77 09C

bcmiller

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2023, 03:29:44 PM »
Topic moved to Mild Modifications section.
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

joesauer

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #11 on: September 24, 2023, 04:25:11 PM »
Yup.   Nothing negative intended......just curiosity.

monarchpackaging

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #12 on: September 24, 2023, 09:58:44 PM »
Thank you all for your additional comments, and thanks for the guide to the right place to share our project. I will try to find it and see if there are any replies. Blessings on Ya'al, Larry

Badshifter

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Re: 68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?
« Reply #13 on: September 24, 2023, 10:23:28 PM »
Like this but an RS grille. Closest I could find.
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/107978-68-vs-69-Camaro-Grill-Fitment
1969 Z28 X77 09C

 

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