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How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?

yes
1 (33.3%)
no
2 (66.7%)

Total Members Voted: 3

Author Topic: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?  (Read 10353 times)

jims68z

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How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« on: June 22, 2009, 06:52:43 PM »
I have a 68 Camaro that I purchased 28 years ago.  When I bought it, I was very young (not even old enough to drive).  I was told that it was a z28.  The previous owner claimed he had the 302 that came out of it.  Unfortunately, I spent every dime I had on the car and did not see the need to spend another 700 on a motor that I didnt need to get the car running.  According to the vin and the trim tag, I can assume the car CAN be a z28.  I unfortunatly do not have the money right now to have Jerry McNeish come out and authenticate it.  Jerry mentioned that there were certain holes in the firewall that can help tell the story on what the car really is.  The car was drag raced previous to me buying it so a lot of the original components were changed and/or modified.  Can anyone help identify this car?

1968RSZ28

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2009, 07:13:23 PM »
Welcome Jim -

Unfortunately, there is no way to confirm a '68 Camaro to be an original Z/28 using the VIN (unless it's an original Canadian car) or with info from the cowl tag.    :(

A good start for you would be to buy Jerry's "THE DEFINITIVE 1967-1968 CAMARO Z/28 FACT BOOK".  You can purchase it here...   http://www.z28camaro.com/publications.html

If you can post good photos of the car here, there're many experts who could help you figure it out.

Is the original tire info decal still on the inside of the glove box door?

Paul
« Last Edit: June 22, 2009, 07:24:29 PM by 1968RSZ28 »

jims68z

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2009, 07:24:36 PM »
Paul,

I did purchase that book and I am trying to make everything true and correct to that book by purchasing the correct part numbers and dates.  I just would like to see if there was any way to determine that it is a real z before spending the money on all of the correct parts and just having a clone.  Jerry does not mention anything in his book about specific things that would make it a z that would be different on any other camaro other than the bolt on parts.

1968RSZ28

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2009, 07:30:47 PM »
Jerry does not mention anything in his book about specific things that would make it a z that would be different on any other camaro other than the bolt on parts.

Jim -

That's why I asked this question in my original response...

Is the original tire info decal still on the inside of the glove box door?

Paul

jims68z

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2009, 07:38:36 PM »
Paul,

No, the original glove box sticker is long gone.  Sad part is that I may have been the one to remove it when I repainted the dash years ago.

1968RSZ28

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2009, 12:32:58 AM »
No, the original glove box sticker is long gone.  Sad part is that I may have been the one to remove it when I repainted the dash years ago.

That's too bad.  If the original sticker was still there it would be a "pretty good" indicator the car is an original Z/28, especially since you've owned it for 28 years.  There wasn't alot of "cloning" going on in 1981, except for people putting Z/28 emblems on their cars.

Paul   

maroman

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2009, 01:24:19 AM »
Was the paint completely stripped before  a repaint? It should show evidence of the stripes? In the wiper area? Original ralley wheels? Brakes? Suspension spring tags?  All could help.
Doug  '67 RS/SS 396 auto I know the car since new

tom

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #7 on: June 23, 2009, 08:23:22 AM »
Don't know where you are located, but there will be many camaros and experts at the show/swap in Carlisle PA this weekend.

http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/
69 X11 Z21 L14 glide
looking for a 69 export model (KPH) speed
o

jims68z

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #8 on: June 23, 2009, 10:18:32 AM »
no, the paint was not completely stripped.  not sure about stripes on the cowl, but there was evidence of stripes under the back window.  front springs had been replaced with big block springs since that is what was in the car when it was purchased.  rear springs still there but not sure if they are original.  front brakes are the 4 piston disc brakes.  it had non power disc brakes, but the booster may have been removed as it did not fit well with a big block.  i have since added back the booster.  I appreciate the tips.  any other items to look for?

1968RSZ28

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2009, 04:41:59 PM »
any other items to look for?

Does the car have it's original wheels?  Is it equipped with a factory tach?

Paul

jims68z

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2009, 04:50:03 PM »
Paul,

when I bought the car, it had cragars on the back and black steelies on the front.  the original wheels are long gone.  the instrument cluster was also missing when I got it.  I did replace it with a tic toc tac but after reading jerry's book, i do not have the correct tach as the redline is different.  the car did come with the wiring for console and guages though

tom

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2009, 06:25:04 PM »
Before you add too many "correct" parts I would document what you do have. What you add will not help to document the car. I would start with a decent digital camera, and a notepad.
69 X11 Z21 L14 glide
looking for a 69 export model (KPH) speed
o

Gambitt

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2009, 02:31:45 AM »
Seems like I have seen this question before:)

1968RSZ28

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #13 on: June 24, 2009, 05:01:24 AM »
Jim -

In the car's present condition, the only way to ever find out if it was a real Z/28 is...

1)  The original POP is found.
2)  The original window sticker is found.
3)  The original, factory stamped block is found.

The chance of finding any of the above is low, but CRG has reunited several (blocks, POP's, etc) with the original cars over the years, so the chances are not zero.

IMO, build the car anyway you would like and have fun with it!

Paul

KurtS

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Re: How can I identify that my car is a true 1968 z28?
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2009, 01:33:15 PM »
What's the axle code?
Kurt S
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anything