Author Topic: 68 front fender bezels  (Read 4028 times)

David K

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68 front fender bezels
« on: July 24, 2022, 05:50:45 PM »
Not sure why the part numbers are in different places. Zoom in to see better. Feel free to add your opinion or known fact.

william

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2022, 11:07:45 PM »
Chevrolet built 235,151 1968 Camaros. That means 940,604 bezels, 18,882 per week, were needed at two assembly plants for the 50-week production span.

It is entirely possible there was more than one supplier; those suppliers may have had more than one facility. The tooling to cast the bezels was produced by different tool shops; the engineering drawing for the part likely specified the part number was to appear on the part but may not have specified a location. So, each shop was free to put it where they wanted. High-volume tooling wears, likely replaced during the model year.

After casting, the bezels had to be plated. Last thing you want in supply chain is to be shipping parts all over the place for secondary operations. So, the casting/plating plants were probably close to Norwood and Van Nuys.

GMPD didn't necessarily source these from the original suppliers. Common for service parts to be made by shops that deal in small volumes.
Learning more and more about less and less...

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2022, 11:37:16 PM »
I’ll buy that..seems logical…..until an answer I like better comes along. 🤔🤔😆😆😆

Gars68Tux

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2022, 08:49:27 AM »
Dug out my originals and will have to go with William on that. Numbers on mine are on the vertical, but appear much smaller and along the outside edge.

So, apparently you're aware the rears are different. ;) Are all the repros still "one size fits all" (front & rear)?
Garth

68 RS L30 AA 749 Fred Gibb Chevrolet

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2022, 02:51:55 PM »
Gars…still 1 size fits all these days. And if you’re going for the big judging stuff, you’ll get dinged. I found a local set and will get them rechromed. Small and cheap stuff to bring it “closer to original “ than it currently is.

169INDY

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Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

68camaroz28

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2022, 11:15:53 PM »
https://www.camaros.net/threads/time-for-another-68-z-28-to-be-restored.182584/page-48#post-2992465

Post #959
Thanks Jim.....
GM stopped making or offering the front thin bezels by very early 70’s and parts books show the rear bezel part number only stating 4 needed. I had our originals chromed and as Jim pointed to build thread another familiar not done on restoration involves black paint in the groove.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2022, 01:15:31 AM »
169indy…thanks for the link. I got front and rear originals cheap and will have them rechromed.

169INDY

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2022, 04:39:13 AM »
I waited and searched and searched for a pair of fronts & will rechrome the orig at a later date for my other 68 that I installed rears in four corners
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2022, 05:23:32 AM »
Straight outta 1970…nice!

Gars68Tux

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #10 on: July 26, 2022, 07:21:59 AM »
I waited and searched and searched for a pair of fronts & will rechrome the orig at a later date for my other 68 that I installed rears in four corners

But what location is the part number cast on the inside?  :) Almost need a magnifying glass see mine...
Garth

68 RS L30 AA 749 Fred Gibb Chevrolet

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #11 on: July 27, 2022, 02:00:07 AM »
There’s typically 2different sets I’ve found inside. Maybe bigger numbers we’re more costly.🤔🤔😵‍💫😵‍💫

camaroboy68ss

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2022, 07:51:11 PM »
Well I now have another part I will have to look for at swap meets. Never knew they were different. I have the repops all around my car.
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1968 Camaro RS L30/M20, 2017 Camaro SS
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1933 Ford Pickup - "Camaro in disguise"

David K

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2022, 01:05:42 AM »
eBay all day…..Craigslist paid off for me….local. Make sure to note the part number for easy reference at that swap meet. You’ll easily see the difference here. But don’t peek at the next picture if you’re not sure which is front or rear. The one on top is actually taller due to the 2nd beveled edge.

x66 714

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Re: 68 front fender bezels
« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2022, 01:59:48 AM »
After reviewing my car I realize I have the fronts on the rear & vise versa. Do the rears use a gasket?. Joe
See America's First, Chevrolet

1968 Z/28 Corvette Bronze. Black Hounds Tooth. 02E Los Angeles born 3/13/1968 pnt OO. Purchased March 1976
1969 SS396 Yellow/Yellow 08E Norwood born 8/28/1969 pnt 76E. Purchased April 1981

 

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